Nomos 11

Valerian I, 253-260. Binio (Gold, 20mm, 5.20 g 6), Rome, 253-254. IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian I to right. Rev. FIDES MILITVM Fides standing left, holding two standards. Calicó 3412 var. Cohen 67 var. Göbl 22d. RIC 36 var. A rare and attractive coin with some original luster and a fine early portrait. Extremely fine.

From a Swiss collection.

Valerian was appointed to important positions by both Trajan Decius and Trebonianus Gallus and was raising troops on the German frontier when Aemilian revolted against Gallus. He was unable to return in time to save Gallus and Volusian, but his own troops hailed him as emperor in their place. Aemilian was soon murdered in his turn and Valerian was accepted as emperor, almost immediately raising his son Gallienus to the purple as well. The joint reign of Valerian I and Gallienus was one of the most dangerous in Roman history: the East, under the command of Valerian, was menaced by the Goths and the Sasanians, while the West, defended by Gallienus, was threatened by Germanic raids. The Sasanian attacks were very destructive, and in trying to repulse them Valerian was captured through treachery, becoming the first Roman emperor to be taken alive by an enemy. The Persians were extremely vicious to their captive: he was kept in a cage, used as a stool when the King mounted his horse, and, finally, after his death he was stuffed and his body used as an ornament in the royal palace!