★ Captured Emperor Valerian I ★

Valerian I. AD. 253-260. Aureus (Gold), 3.08 g. - 18.59 mm. Samosata mint, 1st emission, struck 255-256 AD.
Obv.: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian to right.
Rev.: ROMAE AETERNAE. Roma seated to left on throne with back, holding Victory in her extended right hand and spear in her left; at her side, shield.
Ref.: RIC V 51 (but as minted in Rome); RIC V 275 var. (bust draped only, 'Antioch'); Cohen 191; MIR 1678c; Calicó 3442.; cf. CNG, Auction 90 (2012), lot 1683 (17'000 $); Leu Numismatik, Auction 13 (2023), lot 343 (11'000 CHF); Nomos, Auction 30 (2023), Lot 1479 (10'000 CHF); Savoca Numismatik, 188th Black Auction (2023), lot 69 (17'000 €).
Extremely Rare!
aEF.
During Valerian's reign, Antioch in the East was seized by a vassal of Sasanian descent, while the Kingdom of Armenia was invaded by Shapur I. In an attempt to regain control of the East, Valerian advanced toward the region. However, at that time, an outbreak of the Bubonic Plague ravaged the army, causing numerous deaths and severely weakening the Roman forces. Following this weakening, Valerian suffered a crushing defeat against Shapur I at the Battle of Edessa. After the battle, Valerian was captured by Shapur I and subjected to immense humiliation—he was allegedly used as a human footstool when Shapur mounted his horse. Additionally, Shapur commissioned a relief depicting Valerian kneeling before him.