VALERIAN AD 253-360 Billon Antoninianus. 3.78g, 20.9mm MINTED: Antioch mint. 5th emission, AD 257-260 REF: RIC 277; Cohen 169 OBVERSE: VALERIANVS IMP AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. REVERSE: PM TR PV COS IIII P P, Valerian and Gallienus standing facing one another, each holding shield set on ground; two spears between in background.

Notes:

Somewhat grainy toned silver surfaces, but decently centered and detailed.  

Historical Notes:

Emperor Valerian was a senator with an illustrious career prior to his ascending the throne in 253.  He ruled together with his son Gallienus at a time when the Empire was facing onslaughts on many fronts.  In 260, an army he led against the Persians was defeated and he was treacherously taken captive while attending a peace parley.  He was then held captive at the court of the Persian king, Shapur the Great, and treated as a slave for many years.  Shapur eventually tired of his royal captive and had him flayed alive.  His skin was stuffed with straw and kept as a gruesome trophy.