Code: 13111
This is a scarce ancient Roman billion silver Antoninianus of Emperor Valerian I minted at Antioch between 257 and 258 AD.
Obverse: IMP VALERIANVS AVG "Supreme commander (Imperator) Valerianus, emperor (Augustus)" Bust of Valerian, radiate, draped, right.
Reverse: P M TR P V COS IIII P P "High priest, holder of tribunician power for the fifth time, consul for the fourth time, father of the nation." Valerian and Gallienus, standing face to face; between them, shields and spears.
Valerian is known as the first Roman emperor to be taken captive in battle, captured by the Persian emperor Shapur I after the Battle of Edessa, which caused shock and instability throughout the Roman Empire.
CULTURE: ROMAN
DENOMINATION: Antoninianus
MATERIAL: Billion silver
DATE: 253 - 260 AD (this coin was minted between 257- 258 AD)
MINT: Antioch on the Orontes, Syria, modern-day Antakya, Turkey
SIZE: 21mm dia
WEIGHT: 3.40 grams
ATTRIBUTION: RIC V.2 277, RCV 2891
PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection in Barnstaple, United Kingdom
