Code: 13112
This is a scarce ancient Roman billion silver Antoninianus of Emperor Valerian I minted at Antioch between 255 and 256 AD.
Obverse: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG "Supreme commander (Imperator), Caesar Publius Licinius Valerian, emperor (Augustus)." Bust of Valerian, radiate, draped, right.
Reverse: RESTITVT ORIENTIS "Restorer of the Orient" Turreted woman (the Orient), draped, standing right, presenting wreath to emperor, standing left, holding spear in left hand.
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 255- 256 AD)
MINT: Antioch on the Orontes, Syria, modern-day Antakya, Turkey
SIZE: 20mm dia
WEIGHT: 2.55 grams
ATTRIBUTION: RIC V.1 287C, RCV 2896
PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection in Barnstaple, United Kingdom
