Augustus, A.D. 253-260
Silver Double Denarius
Antioch mint, A.D. 253
Obv: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG
Rev: PIETAS AVGG - Two emperors, emperor at left sacrificing at altar with patera, emperor at right, sword on belt, holding eagle-tipped scepter
RIC 284
24 x 22 mm, 3.5g.
Valerian I was declared emperor after the death of Trebonnius Gallus (and the murder of Aemelian by his own troops). He inherited an empire in chaos, constantly beset by civil unrest, plague, and attack from outside forces. In an attempt to bring some sense of stability, he quickly elevated his son Gallienus to serve as co-emperor. But his reign ended tragically. During an attempt to negotiate peace with Shapur I, ruler of the Persian Empire, he was taken prisoner and brought back to Persia, where legend has it he spent the rest of his life serving as a human footstool for the king. His capture and enslavement, and the Empire’s inability to do anything to help him, probably marks the nadir of Ancient Rome’s military history.
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