255 AD. Rome mint. Obv: [IMP C P] LIC VALERIANVS PF AVG legend with radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: LIBERALITAS AVGG legend with Liberalitas seated left, holding abacus and cornucopia. RIC 101; RSC 113; Sear 9946.3.24 grams. ("). From the private collection of a retired Suffolk gentleman. Valerian was born to a distinguished Roman family and had experience as a general and an administrator. Once emperor, he arguably faced a more critical situation than any previous regime. He attempted to negotiate peace with Shapur and the Sasanids at a conference in 260 AD, but he was attacked and taken into captivity in Persia, the first Roman emperor ever to fall into the hands of a foreign power. At this point, Rome was on the brink of collapse. [No Reserve]