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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Valerian 271

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Valerian 271. 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 soldier, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, resting right hand on shield and holding spear in left hand, with the legend VIRTVS AVGG.

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

Valerian became Roman emperor in September 253 and had the Senate elevate his son Gallienus to Augustus, dividing the empire so that Valerian ruled the east and Gallienus the west. During the Crisis of the Third Century, Gallienus defended the western provinces against Germanic invasions, notably destroying an Alemanni army at Mediolanum in 259 before Valerian was captured by the Sasanian Empire in 260.

Struck at Mediolanum under the joint authority of Gallienus and Valerian, this silver antoninianus was part of a double-denomination currency introduced by Caracalla in 215, thought to have been valued at two denarii. The obverse depicts the radiate bust of Valerian with the legend "IMP VALERIANVS P AVG", while the reverse displays a helmeted soldier with a shield and spear alongside the legend "VIRTVS AVGG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Mediolanum
Authority
Gallienus; Valerian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Valerian, radiate, draped, right
Reverse
Soldier, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, resting right hand on shield and holding spear in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP VALERIANVS P AVG
Reverse legend
VIRTVS AVGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Valerian 271
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP VALERIANVS P AVG
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVS AVGG
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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