CNG 87, Lot: 830. Estimate $500. Sold for $320. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BITHYNIA, Nicaea. Valerian I, Gallienus, and Valerian II Caesar. AD 256-257/8. Æ (27mm, 8.49 g, 6h). Struck AD 256. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Valerian I right, facing radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gallienus left; between, smaller radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Valerian II right / Three agonistic urns set on voided base, the outer two each containing a single palm branch, the central containing two. RG 822; Weiser, Nikaia 262 var. (obv. legend, urns on a single line); BMC 148. Near EF, warm brown patina.

This coin is part of an interesting series that stresses the theme of three following the elevation of Valerian II (Nicomedia issued a parallel coinage with three busts on the obverse and various reverse designs carrying three civic emblems). The obverse was carefully considered to stress the hierarchy of the family, with Valerian I, the senior of the Augusti, given pride of place on the left and his grandson Valerian II, as a youthful heir, shown in diminutive form. An apparently unique medallion of this type has been preserved (Weiser pl. 27, 5-6 = Triton XI, lot 469 [Wagner Collection] = Mabbot Collection 1164) and was probably struck for review and approval of the design prior to the issuing of the coins. On the trial piece, however, the theme of three was taken too far and the obverse legend ends CEBBB, thus incorrectly naming all three figures Σεβαστοί. This was followed on some of the coins issued (Weiser 262; SNG von Aulock 7083) before being corrected to CEBB as on the current piece.