The coins shown are representative examples of the grade and type, but not the actual specimens for sale. For details on NGC’s grading standards and definitions, please refer to our NGC Grading page.
Roman Empire – Valerian II (Caesar, AD 256–258) – Silvered Antoninianus, NGC Certified
This silver-washed bronze antoninianus was issued for Valerian II, the youthful son of Emperor Gallienus, whose life was cut short during one of the most turbulent eras in Roman history.
Obverse: Radiate portrait of Valerian II, shown as Caesar with youthful features.
Reverse: Roman deities or personifications of imperial virtues, reflecting hopes for dynastic continuity.
Technical Details: Silvered antoninianus; struck ca. AD 255–258; authenticated and certified by NGC.
Historical Significance:
Valerian II was elevated to the rank of Caesar while still a child, intended to secure the dynasty of his grandfather Valerian I and father Gallienus during the Crisis of the Third Century—a time when the empire was wracked by invasions, usurpations, and economic collapse. His early death at around age 15, widely suspected to be the result of assassination, highlights the fragility of imperial succession in this chaotic period. The empire saw more than two dozen rulers rise and fall between AD 235–284, with few dying of natural causes.
This coin serves as both a testament to Rome’s dynastic ambitions and a poignant reminder of the tragic fate of a prince who never lived to rule.
The coins shown are representative examples of the grade and type, but not the actual specimens for sale. For details on NGC’s grading standards and definitions, please refer to our NGC Grading page.
Roman Empire – Valerian II (Caesar, AD 256–258) – Silvered Antoninianus, NGC Certified
This silver-washed bronze antoninianus was issued for Valerian II, the youthful son of Emperor Gallienus, whose life was cut short during one of the most turbulent eras in Roman history.
Obverse: Radiate portrait of Valerian II, shown as Caesar with youthful features.
Reverse: Roman deities or personifications of imperial virtues, reflecting hopes for dynastic continuity.
Technical Details: Silvered antoninianus; struck ca. AD 255–258; authenticated and certified by NGC.
Historical Significance:
Valerian II was elevated to the rank of Caesar while still a child, intended to secure the dynasty of his grandfather Valerian I and father Gallienus during the Crisis of the Third Century—a time when the empire was wracked by invasions, usurpations, and economic collapse. His early death at around age 15, widely suspected to be the result of assassination, highlights the fragility of imperial succession in this chaotic period. The empire saw more than two dozen rulers rise and fall between AD 235–284, with few dying of natural causes.
This coin serves as both a testament to Rome’s dynastic ambitions and a poignant reminder of the tragic fate of a prince who never lived to rule.
