VALERIAN
AD 253-360
Billon Antoninianus. 4.0g, 22.8mm
MINTED: Samosata mint, AD 256-260
REF: RIC 287
OBVERSE: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
REVERSE: RESTITVT ORI-ENTIS, the Orient, turreted, standing right, presenting wreath to the emperor, standing facing, head left, holding scepter.

Grade/Notes: 
Very Fine.  Textured dark green patina.
The reverse legend proclaims Valerian the 'Restorer of the East', a sadly ironic declaration given the emperor's eventual fate at the hands of the Persian king, Shapur.
 
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.