🏛️ ROMAN EMPIRE – VALERIAN I (AD 253-260)
BI Double-Denarius (Antoninianus) | Struck at the Rome mint (or regional western workshop, c. AD 253-256)
• Obverse: Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian I right; features a magnificent, crisp imperial profile with exceptionally high-relief facial contours and fully intact radiate crown details.
• Legend: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG (or standard variant depending on specific die combination).
• Reverse: Felicitas standing left, holding a caduceus in her right hand and a cornucopia (horn of plenty) in her left.
• Legend: FELICITAS AVGG (Happiness of the Emperors).
• Specifications: Metal: Billon (BI - Silver/Bronze imperial war alloy) | Diameter: Standard antoninianus module | Weight: 3.52g (Excellent, well-proportioned full standard weight for this mid-3rd-century crisis series).
• Bibliographic Reference: RIC IV 87 | RSC 53 | Cohen 53.
🔒 CERTIFICATION DETAILS
• Grading Company: NGC Ancients
• Grade: XF (Extremely Fine) [Premium choice preservation featuring outstanding portrait and reverse definition]
• Strike: 5/5 (Perfect maximum technical score, exceptionally centered with intensely sharp, deeply embedded lettering)
• Surface: 5/5 (Flawless maximum technical score, showcasing entirely smooth fields and a highly attractive dark grey ancient patina)
• Slab ID: 8586282-001
• Certification Status: 100% Guaranteed Authentic, graded, and sealed in a tamper-evident archival holder. Verify authenticity on NGCcoin.com.
✨ NUMISMATIC HIGHLIGHTS (Premium Ancient Roman Certified Slab)
• Flawless 5/5 Strike & 5/5 Surface Ratings: Attaining a double perfect 5/5 technical score on a billon coin from the Crisis of the Third Century is an elite distinction. It guarantees that both the striking pressure and the state of preservation of the ancient silvered alloy are pristine, completely free of the typical pitting, corrosion, or die movement.
• No Pedigree Flaws: Unlike many pieces from this era, the label carries absolutely zero negative remarks (no "brushed", no "scratches", no "flan flaw"), making it a highly desirable "clean label" specimen for condition-sensitive registries.
• Beautiful Felicitas Allegory: Features Felicitas holding the caduceus and cornucopia, the ultimate symbol of imperial success, peace, and commercial prosperity.
📜 HISTORICAL CONTEXT
This billon antoninien was struck during the early, victorious years of Publius Licinius Valerianus (Valerian I). Coming to power in AD 253, Valerian shared the throne with his son Gallienus to manage the massive military crises facing the Roman frontiers. This coin type, promoting the "Happiness of the Emperors" (Felicitas Augg), was an essential piece of political propaganda designed to project a sense of stability and economic rebirth to the legions and Roman citizens. Valerian is famously known to history as the only Roman Emperor ever captured alive by a foreign enemy, having been taken prisoner by Shapur I of the Sasanian Persian Empire in AD 260. This certified treasure stands as an immaculate, museum-grade surviving monument from his reign.
📦 SHIPPING & PROTECTION POLICY (International Buyers)
• Secure Packaging: The NGC slab will be heavily protected using premium bubble wrap and shipped in a rigid box to prevent any scratches or structural damage during transit.
• Worldwide Registered Shipping: Shipped via Premium Tracked and Insured International Post (Signature Required upon delivery for complete security).
• Tracking Number: Uploaded immediately onto eBay after dispatch so you can follow the package step-by-step.
• Customs and Duties: Buyers outside the European Union are responsible for any applicable import taxes, customs duties, or fees imposed by their respective countries.
🔎 SEARCH KEYWORDS (For Collectors)
Ancient Roman Coin, Roman Empire, Antoninianus, Double Denarius, Valerian I, Gallienus, Billon Silver, Rome Mint, Felicitas, Caduceus, Cornucopia, NGC Graded, XF, Extremely Fine, Strike 5/5, Surface 5/5, Investment Grade, Registry Piece.