Roman Imperial Coins

Gallienus (A.D. 253-268) is a much maligned Roman emperor. Originally he ruled jointly with his father, Valerian I, until the latter was scandalously captured for life by the Sassanid Empire in A.D. 260. Throughout Gallienus’ reign he also faced natural disasters, disease and invasions on all sides. But most serious were at least 8 internal rebellions from his own governors and generals, the last one killed him! Even with these setbacks his impressive 15 years was by far the longest reign of the period called ‘The Crisis of the Third Century’. His reforms, such as a mobile field army, set the stage for the revival of the empire by others after he died. We have put together a small group of his billon silver Antoniniani with various reverses. The chaos of his reign famously meant the quality of his coins declined compared to earlier emperors. What makes these we offer so special is that the portraits are all clear and in Extremely Fine grade! And at a price we think you will agree is most fair, we got a good deal on these so we pass that saving on to you, don’t miss out...

Hadrian was one of the most able and conscientious of the Roman Emperors. He spent his reign visiting the vast majority of his provinces. His most famous work was Hadrian’s Wall, the largest Roman monument anywhere in the world! We offer a Silver Denarius of Hadrian in Fine condition showing his bust on the obverse with various reverses.

Trajan has one of the best legacies, ancient or modern, of any Roman emperor! When later emperors were sworn in it was wished they be ‘luckier than Augustus and better than Trajan’. He literally set the bar for what the Romans saw as a good ruler. Today he is one of the ‘Five Good Emperors’. Trajan was born in A.D. 53 in Italica, Spain, his father had been a consul and governor of Syria. Trajan rose quickly and because he was so popular, importantly with the army, he was adopted in A.D. 97 by the reigning emperor Nerva. Following the death of Nerva the next year, Trajan became emperor. His 19-year reign saw three major conflicts which led to the territory of the Roman Empire being increased to its greatest size. Within the Empire Trajan was a great builder, to name a few projects: the Forum Traiani, Trajan’s Market, an amphitheatre for sea battles, and a new harbour at Ostia. He also established a number of Colonies for retired soldiers and in Italy set up a charity to help orphans and poor children called the Alimentia, shown on one of his rare coins. His most famous and lasting monument is perhaps Trajan’s Column which can still be seen in Rome. When he died he was buried beneath it with Hadrian becoming emperor. We are not often able to offer Trajan’s coins in groups, especially his silver Denarius! They are becoming increasingly hard to find, as he is such a popular emperor, but with much searching, we are able to offer them to you here in Good Fine grade with various reverses.

Trajan. A.D. 98-117. Rome - A.D. 113. AR Denarius. Laureate bust right / 'S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI' Annona standing holding corn ears & cornucopiae, child at feet left; 'ALIM ITAL' in exergue. Slight obverse pitting, Very Fine & Scarce type. The 'Alimenta Italiae' charity lasted 150 years & used the interest from landowner loans to feed orphan children.

Trajan. A.D. 98-117., Rome - A.D. 109. AR Denarius. Laureate bust right / 'COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC' Arabia standing left holding branch & cinnamon sticks; camel at feet left. Very Fine & Scarce.

Trajan. A.D. 98-117., Rome - A.D. 115. AR Denarius. Laureate bust right / 'COS VI P P S P Q R' Naked Bonus Eventus stg. left holding patera & corn ears. Flan edge split, Extremely Fine.

Valerian was from a traditional Roman senatorial family and had a long, distinguished career. In A.D. 253, at 58, he was declared emperor and his son, Gallienus, was made joint ruler. Valerian left Gallienus in the West and took command in the East. He campaigned against the Persians and restored order but, in A.D. 260 he and his army were captured alive by the Persian king, Shapur. Legends talk of Shapur using Valerian as a footstool, a mounting step and feeding him molten gold; then flaying him and placing the skin on display. But, in all stone carvings on the necropolis of Naghshe-Rostamhat, Valerian is showing holding hands with Shapur in submission as a living prisoner. Also, Band-e Kaisar (Caesar’s Dam) near modern Shushtar, Iran was built around the time of Valerian with Roman techniques, alien to anything around. I suspect he and his captured army was put to work! We may never know sadly, a mystery lost to time. What you can have though is a coin from his reign, before he was captured! We have a little group of his billon silver Antoninianus in Very Fine condition. Enjoy your coin of the ensnared emperor.