A.D. 253-268 Valerian I & Gallienus Silver Antoninianus Set
Select a Grade: Very Fine
With the vast Roman Empire under attack from foreign invaders plus internal uprisings, Emperor Valerian I split control with his son, Gallienus in 253. Besieged in the East by the armies of King Shapur of Persia, Valerian’s attempt at negotiations failed, and he was taken captive in 260.
With the Goths successful invasion from the North, Gallienus was left as emperor of Italy and the Balkans from 260-268. During that period, he shifted command of the Roman armies to professional equestrian officers; reversed his father’s policy of persecuting Christians, and in the relatively peaceful years of 262-267, promoted a renaissance in Rome. But while trying to put down an uprising in Milan in 268, Gallienus was murdered by his senior officers.
Own one, or both, of these well-preserved silver Antoninianii whose obverses separately depict the father and son emperors. Reverse designs will vary. Struck by hand over 1,770 years ago, both silver coins feature great details that will add significance to your collection.
