Nomos AG
obolos 23 12 Jun 2022
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Valerian I, 253-260. Antoninianus (Billon, 21.5 mm, 4.12 g, 6 h), Samosata, 255-256. IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian I to right. Rev. RESTITVT ORI-ENTIS Tyche, turreted, standing right, presenting wreath to Valerian standing left, holding spear in left hand. MIR 36, 1677e. RIC 286. Extremely fine.
On the reverse of this coin Valerian is shown receiving the submission of the East, represented by the turreted Tyche presenting him the symbol of victory, the wreath. Considering the emperor was captured by the Sasanians at Edessa in AD 260, this is a most ironic type. His fate is uncertain, but according to various ancient sources he was subjected to great insults: Eutropius (Roman History ix.7) said that he "grew old in ignominious slavery among the Parthians," while Lactantius (De Mortibus Persecutorem v) maintained that Valerian was used as a human footstool by Shapur when mounting his horse, and that subsequently he was flayed alive, his hide stuffed with straw and displayed as a trophy.
On the reverse of this coin Valerian is shown receiving the submission of the East, represented by the turreted Tyche presenting him the symbol of victory, the wreath. Considering the emperor was captured by the Sasanians at Edessa in AD 260, this is a most ironic type. His fate is uncertain, but according to various ancient sources he was subjected to great insults: Eutropius (Roman History ix.7) said that he "grew old in ignominious slavery among the Parthians," while Lactantius (De Mortibus Persecutorem v) maintained that Valerian was used as a human footstool by Shapur when mounting his horse, and that subsequently he was flayed alive, his hide stuffed with straw and displayed as a trophy.