Ave!

SOLD!

Valerian I, Antoninianus, Scarce Moesia Mint (Viminacium)

Silvered; 22mm/3.6gm, struck ca. 254-5 AD

Con/ good Fine, typical grainy surface for the type. 400% better in hand, trust me.

Obv/ IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG; rad., dr. and cuir. bust r.

Rev/ RESTITVTI GENER HVMANI; Valerian, radiate, stg. r., cloak flying, raising hand and holding globe.

Viminacium mint

Ref/ RIC Vol 5a, 220

Seller's Note/ This is a lesson of hubris and why not to tempt the fate of the gods. The reverse legend translates: To the Restorer of the Human Race. This refers to the actions of Valerian in the East (ca. 253/4 AD) where he suppressed the usurpation of Uranius Antoninus and recaptured Antioch from the Persians. Well and good, but calling yourself the restorer of the human race? Too much hubris, perhaps? Just a few years after, in 260 AD he was captured by the Persians and was never seen again...