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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Valerian 89

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Valerian 89. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Gallienus; Valerian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Valerian, radiate, draped, right, with the legend IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG. The reverse shows fides, draped, standing left, holding two ensigns, with the legend FIDES MILITVM.

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 Roman Senate elevate his son Gallienus to the rank of Augustus. Together they governed during the Crisis of the Third Century, dividing the administration so that Valerian ruled the east while Gallienus ruled the west. Their joint reign lasted until Valerian was defeated and captured at Edessa in 260 by the Sasanian Empire, leaving Gallienus to rule alone.

Produced at the Rome mint, this silver antoninianus was a denomination introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD, thought to be valued at two denarii. During the reigns of soldier emperors, coin was needed to pay troops and buy their loyalty, though dwindling silver supplies prompted progressive debasement. The obverse depicts Valerian wearing a radiate crown, which indicated the double denomination, while the reverse displays Fides holding two military ensigns alongside the legend "FIDES MILITVM".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gallienus; Valerian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Valerian, radiate, draped, right
Reverse
Fides, draped, standing left, holding two ensigns
Obverse legend
IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
FIDES MILITVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Valerian 89
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
FIDES MILITVM
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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