Triton XXI, Lot: 233. Estimate $300. Sold for $350. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Valerian II. Caesar, AD 256-258. Potin Tetradrachm (23mm, 9.95 g, 12h). Dated RY 5 of Valerian I & Gallienus (AD 257/258). Π ΛIK KOP OVAΛЄPIANOC KAIC CЄB, bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Eagle standing left, head right with wreath in its beak, wings closed; L Є (date) across field. Köln 2997; Dattari (Savio) 5374; K&G 92.8; Emmett 3764.5; Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 236 (this coin). Good VF, dark brown surfaces, minor roughness. Rare.

From the Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection, purchased from Numismatica Aretusa SA (Lugano–Franco Chiesa), January 1989.

Valerian II, the elder son of Gallienus and Salonina, was born circa AD 245. He was named Caesar and heir to the throne in 256, but died, it appears, a natural death at the beginning of 258.