Valerian I, 253-260. Antoninianus (Silver, 21 mm, 3.42 g, 7 h), Cologne, 257-258. IMP VALERIANVS PIVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian I to right. Rev. GALLIENVS CVM EXER SVO Jupiter standing front on large base inscribed IOVI / VIC/TORI in three lines, holding Victory in his right hand and long scepter in his left. Cohen 77. Eauze 1442. MIR 867a. RIC 7 corr. ('Lugdunum' and bust type). Very rare and exceptionally well preserved for this interesting issue, with a magnificent portrait. The reverse slightly weak, otherwise, good extremely fine.



The reverse legend GALLIENVS CVM EXER SVO literally means 'Gallienus with his army.' It refers to the junior Augustus’ activities on the Rhine frontier in the late 250s, at a time when his father, Valerian I, was campaigning against the Persians in the East. Struck at Cologne, the coin thus celebrates the Rhine legions and places them under the protection of victorious Jupiter (IOVI VICTORI). Ironically, those same legions would rebel only two years later and proclaim Postumus emperor.