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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Valerian 259

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Valerian 259. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Gallienus; Valerian. Mint: Mediolanum. The obverse shows bust of Valerian, radiate, draped, right, with the legend IMP VALERIANVS P AVG.

The reverse shows felicitas, draped, standing left, holding caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend TEMPORVM FELICITAS.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

This silver antoninianus was produced at the mint of Mediolanum under the joint authority of Valerian and Gallienus. Introduced in early 215 AD, the denomination was thought to have been valued at two denarii and typically portrayed the emperor wearing a radiate crown. By the mid-third century, imperial authorities struck successive issues with diminishing silver content to supply coin to troops and secure their loyalty amid bullion shortages. The obverse presents a radiate bust of Valerian alongside the legend "IMP VALERIANVS P AVG", while the reverse displays Felicitas bearing a caduceus and cornucopiae, accompanied by the inscription "TEMPORVM FELICITAS".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Mediolanum
Authority
Gallienus; Valerian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Valerian, radiate, draped, right
Reverse
Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP VALERIANVS P AVG
Reverse legend
TEMPORVM FELICITAS

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Valerian 259
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP VALERIANVS P AVG
Reverse legend to match
TEMPORVM FELICITAS
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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