Roman Imperial | Valerian I | AR Antoninianus | 253 | PLAGUE OF CYPRIAN

Description: Valerian I | AR Antoninianus Reference: RIC V 74 Date: 253 CE Obverse: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG: Bust of Valerian, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right Reverse: APOLINI PROPVG: Apollo, nude except for cloak flying behind, standing right, drawing bow Mint: Rome Size: 21.5 mm Weight: 2.45 grams A worn antoninianus struck on good silver relative to the time period. An interesting reverse legend appealing to Apollo the Defender for deliverance which only appears on coins of the third century struck between 250-270 CE; with issues by Aemilian, Valerian I, Gallienus, Macrianus Minor, Quietus, Postumus; and Quintillus. Trebonianus Gallus, Aemilian, Valerian I, and Gallienus also struck contemporary coins with a similarly unique reverse legend APOLL SALVTARI, appealing to Apollo the Savior. These coins are very likely an allusion to the Plague of Cyprian c. 249 until 262 or 270 CE (Historical sources could indicate one longer plague or two seperate outbreaks). This link is supported by the historical association of Apollo with medicine/healing, a Roman tradition of plague coinage (ex. Apollo Palatinus coins of Commodus, one of which is for sale here); and the fact that Quintillus struck these coins during his months-long reign after his brother Claudius Gothicus died of plague. Here is a delightful, moralizing account of the plague written by St. Cyprian in De Mortalitate (Ch. 14): "That now the bowels loosened into a flux exhaust the strength of the body, that a fever contracted in the very marrow of the bones breaks out into ulcers of the throat, that the intestines are shaken by continual vomiting, that the blood-shot eyes burn, that the feet of some or certain parts of their members are cut away by the infection of diseased putrefaction, that, by a weakness developing through the losses and injuries of the body, either the gait is enfeebled, or the hearing impaired, or the sight blinded, all this contributes to the proof of faith." Policies I apply the highest ethical standards in selling ancient coins. All coins are guaranteed to be genuine and any item found to be otherwise may be returned for a full refund. The most important thing is that you are happy with your new coin(s)! All coins are shipped in PVC-free, archival-grade coin flips and inserts made of acid-free paper Domestic (USA) shipping only, except for international shipments through eBay International Shipping program. If you purchase multiple items please message me before you pay and I will combine the shipping for you. I accept all returns within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the item. No explanation is required for the return, but it would be appreciated. Any item which has been altered from its original state may not be returned. Don't see what you're looking for? Just shoot me a message, I might have it but haven't gotten around to listing it!

Price: 44.99 USD

Location: Canton, Michigan

End Time: 2024-12-03T16:50:47.000Z

Shipping Cost: 5.5 USD