ROMAN EMPIRE 253-260 AD BI DOUBLE DENARIUS
080-00547
The Stoic Face of an Empire in Crisis: Valerian I BI Double Denarius
Secure a haunting piece of the "Crisis of the Third Century" with this Valerian I Billon (BI) Double Denarius. Struck during a period of relentless border wars and economic instability, this coin represents the final years of the traditional Roman Principate before the empire’s near-collapse.
The Tragic Legend of Valerian I
Valerian I (AD 253–260) holds a unique, albeit somber, place in Roman history. He is famously the only Roman Emperor to be captured alive by a foreign enemy. After the Battle of Edessa, he was taken prisoner by the Sassanid King Shapur I and, according to legend, used as a human footstool before being immortalized in Persian rock reliefs. This coin was minted while Valerian still held the reigns of a fracturing world, making it a poignant artifact of fallen Roman pride.
The "Double Denarius" (Antoninianus)
By the mid-third century, the Roman economy was struggling. To combat inflation, the silver content of the Denarius was reduced, leading to the prominence of the Antoninianus, or Double Denarius.
The Crown: You can identify this as a "Double" denomination by the radiate crown (spikes) worn by Valerian on the obverse.
The Metal: Composed of Billon—a base metal alloy with a thin silver wash—this coin reflects the real-world grit and resourcefulness of the Roman mints during wartime.
Exceptional Grade: NGC XF (Extremely Fine)Finding third-century coinage in high preservation is a challenge, as these pieces were minted in haste and circulated heavily. This specimen has been certified by NGC as XF (Extremely Fine).
Detail: Expect crisp details on the Emperor’s portrait and the reverse deity.
Luster: At an XF grade, much of the original strike's Sharpness remains, offering a level of "eye appeal" that far exceeds the typical worn examples found in uncleaned hoards.
Technical Specifications
Emperor-Valerian I (Publius Licinius Valerianus)
Reign-AD 253–260
Denomination-BI Double Denarius (Antoninianus)
Grade-NGC XF (Extremely Fine)
Material-Billon (Silver/Bronze alloy)
Why Collect Valerian?
Most Roman coins celebrate victory. This coin represents a rare moment of historical vulnerability. For the collector who values a story as much as a grade, this Valerian I Antoninianus is an essential addition to any Roman Imperial set.
Secure a haunting piece of the "Crisis of the Third Century" with this Valerian I Billon (BI) Double Denarius. Struck during a period of relentless border wars and economic instability, this coin represents the final years of the traditional Roman Principate before the empire’s near-collapse.
The Tragic Legend of Valerian I
Valerian I (AD 253–260) holds a unique, albeit somber, place in Roman history. He is famously the only Roman Emperor to be captured alive by a foreign enemy. After the Battle of Edessa, he was taken prisoner by the Sassanid King Shapur I and, according to legend, used as a human footstool before being immortalized in Persian rock reliefs. This coin was minted while Valerian still held the reigns of a fracturing world, making it a poignant artifact of fallen Roman pride.
The "Double Denarius" (Antoninianus)
By the mid-third century, the Roman economy was struggling. To combat inflation, the silver content of the Denarius was reduced, leading to the prominence of the Antoninianus, or Double Denarius.
The Crown: You can identify this as a "Double" denomination by the radiate crown (spikes) worn by Valerian on the obverse.
The Metal: Composed of Billon—a base metal alloy with a thin silver wash—this coin reflects the real-world grit and resourcefulness of the Roman mints during wartime.
Exceptional Grade: NGC XF (Extremely Fine)Finding third-century coinage in high preservation is a challenge, as these pieces were minted in haste and circulated heavily. This specimen has been certified by NGC as XF (Extremely Fine).
Detail: Expect crisp details on the Emperor’s portrait and the reverse deity.
Luster: At an XF grade, much of the original strike's Sharpness remains, offering a level of "eye appeal" that far exceeds the typical worn examples found in uncleaned hoards.
Technical Specifications
Emperor-Valerian I (Publius Licinius Valerianus)
Reign-AD 253–260
Denomination-BI Double Denarius (Antoninianus)
Grade-NGC XF (Extremely Fine)
Material-Billon (Silver/Bronze alloy)
Why Collect Valerian?
Most Roman coins celebrate victory. This coin represents a rare moment of historical vulnerability. For the collector who values a story as much as a grade, this Valerian I Antoninianus is an essential addition to any Roman Imperial set.
| Additional Information | |
|---|---|
| COUNTRY | ROMAN EMPIRE |
| DENOMINATION | BI DOUBLE DENARIUS |
| EdgeItemKey | 001-080-00547 |
| GRADE | XF |
| Inventory Type | Memo |
| stone info | [] |
| Vendor Style Code | VALERIAN I |
| YEAR | 253-260 AD |
