Valerian I. A.D. 253-260. AR antoninianus. 3.66 gm. 21 mm. Samosata mint. His radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS P F AVG / Two Victories hanging shield inscribed SC on palm tree; VOTA ORBIS. RIC V.1 295. RSC 279. Extremely Fine for issue; a few bits of verdigris; well silvered. Die break at 6'.

Ex Joseph Lepczyk Auction 38 (25 February 1981), lot 221.

Despite the confident image presented by Valerian's coinage, Rome was under assault in the east and the west, culminating in the humiliating capture and enslavement of Valerian by Shapur I, the Sasanian king.