Aureus - Valerianus (IOVI CONSERVATORI; Jupiter) (253-254) front Aureus - Valerianus (IOVI CONSERVATORI; Jupiter) (253-254) back
Aureus - Valerianus (IOVI CONSERVATORI; Jupiter) (253-254) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Aureus - Valerianus IOVI CONSERVATORI; Jupiter

 
Gold 3 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Valerian (Publius Licinius Valerianus) (253-260) Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) (253-268)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
253-254
Value
Aureus (25⁄2)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Gold
Weight
3 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#285906
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Jupiter, nude except for cloak draped over left shoulder, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
IOVI CONSERV or
IOVI CONSERVA or
IOVI CONSERVATORI

Comment

Mass varies: 2.7–3.27 g;

Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Aureus - Valerianus (IOVI CONSERVATORI; Jupiter) coin is that it features a unique combination of imagery and inscriptions that reflect the political and religious beliefs of the Roman Empire during the 3rd century AD. The coin's obverse side features a portrait of Emperor Valerian, while the reverse side depicts Jupiter, the Roman god of thunder, holding a lightning bolt and a scepter. The inscription "IOVI CONSERVATORI" ("To Jupiter, the Preserver") suggests that the coin was issued to commemorate the emperor's role as a protector and preserver of the empire, while also highlighting the importance of Jupiter as a symbol of Roman power and authority. Overall, this coin provides a fascinating glimpse into the political and religious ideologies of ancient Rome, and its gold content makes it a valuable and highly sought-after collector's item.