Valerian I AE Antoninianus 255 Samosata Pietas Emperors Authentic Roman Coin

Valerian I AE Antoninianus Pietas Two Emperors Samosata 255 AD Authentic Ancient Roman Coin

Emperor: Valerian I
Denomination: AE Antoninianus
Mint: Samosata
Date: 255 to 256 AD
Reference: RIC 285 MIR 1676e Cohen 152
Size: 23 mm
Weight: 3.85 g
Axis: 1 h

Obverse: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS P F AVG meaning Imperator Caesar Publius Licinius Valerianus Dutiful and Fortunate Augustus Radiate draped and cuirassed bust right

Reverse: PIETAS AVGG meaning The Piety of the Emperors Two emperors standing facing each other sacrificing over a lighted altar Left figure holds an eagle tipped scepter Right figure holds a parazonium symbolizing military virtue

Description: Struck during the joint reign of Valerian I and Gallienus this Samosata issue emphasizes dynastic unity through the traditional pietas sacrifice. The eastern mints produced distinctive styles with tall portraits and elegant reverse figures and Samosata pieces of this series are scarcer than the larger Antioch issues. The reverse pairing of both emperors symbolizes shared rule at a moment of severe military crisis for the empire shortly before Valerian’s capture by Shapur I in AD 260. Well centered examples like this with sharp reverse detail are highly collectible among crisis of the third century specialists.

Condition: Very fine with strong detail and classic eastern fabric Guaranteed authentic

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