Ancient Roman Silver Coin of Emperor Valerian I (Emperor Captured by Persia)

Valerian I Antoninianus Billon (NGC Certified) — Captured Emperor's Shame

Authentic NGC-certified silver-washed billon Antoninianus from Valerian I — first Roman emperor captured alive by Persian king Shapur I, used as footstool + trophy (AD 253–260).

Radiate Doomed Design

• Obverse: Radiate-crowned portrait right — pre-capture imperial glory

• Reverse: Jupiter / Mars / Victory / Fortuna — ironic military propaganda

Technical Specifications

• Material: Billon (debased silver-washed bronze)

• Denomination: Antoninianus (double-denarius)

• Weight: 3-4g

• Diameter: 22-23mm

• Certification: NGC slabbed

• Mints: Roman imperial

• Date: AD 253–260

Ultimate Humiliation Essential

• Captured Edessa 260 CE by Sassanid Shapur I

• Persian accounts: footstool for king's mount

• Died captivity; body taxidermied as trophy

• Son Gallienus rules shattered empire alone

Collector Masterpiece

Infamous billon from Rome's darkest imperial defeat. Valerian's shame eternal.

Note: Coins shown are representative examples of grade/type, not actual specimens. For NGC grading standards, see NGC Grading page.