{"product_id":"roman-empire-valerian-i-253","title":"ROMAN EMPIRE 253-260 AD BI DOUBLE DENARIUS","description":"The Stoic Face of an Empire in Crisis: Valerian I BI Double Denarius\u003cbr\u003eSecure 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Tragic Legend of Valerian I\u003cbr\u003eValerian 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe \"Double Denarius\" (Antoninianus)\u003cbr\u003eBy 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Crown: You can identify this as a \"Double\" denomination by the radiate crown (spikes) worn by Valerian on the obverse.\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExceptional 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).\u003cbr\u003eDetail: Expect crisp details on the Emperor’s portrait and the reverse deity.\u003cbr\u003eLuster: 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003cbr\u003eEmperor-Valerian I (Publius Licinius Valerianus)\u003cbr\u003eReign-AD 253–260\u003cbr\u003eDenomination-BI Double Denarius (Antoninianus)\u003cbr\u003eGrade-NGC XF (Extremely Fine)\u003cbr\u003eMaterial-Billon (Silver\/Bronze alloy)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhy Collect Valerian?\u003cbr\u003eMost 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.","brand":"MID-AMERICAN ANCIENTS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45060460118216,"sku":"080-00547","price":215.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0661\/9902\/7912\/files\/fd7d05e0581d74183925aa0028d6fe74.jpg?v=1778440424","url":"https:\/\/oceancityjewelers.com\/products\/roman-empire-valerian-i-253","provider":"Ocean City Jewelers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}