In addition to the interesting imagery of captives on their reverses, each coin has a notable provenance and backstory related to the modern history of classical numismatics.
Category: Barbarians, Captives, Enemies
The Irony of Valerian’s Captive: AR Antoninianus Celebrating “Victory over Parthia”
In the year 257, Valerian I struck a rare silver Antoninianus depicting the Roman deity Victory looming over a seated Parthian captive. Three years later, in 260, Valerian would make history as only Roman Emperor to himself be taken captive. It was by Shapur I, Sasanian King in Persia, whose empire had succeeded the Parthian.
Two Captives & Trophy: Prisoners of War on Roman Coins from Julius Caesar to Constantine “The Great”
Prisoners of war are among the most consistent and versatile tropes spanning the history of Roman coins, from the Republican period through the late Imperial. Frequently described only as “captive” or “bound captive” in the major references, the figures depicted are presumably destined for slavery or, occasionally, awaiting execution. They often represent members of specific tribal groups, indicated by the minute cultural details of hairstyle, clothing, or headwear.
“A New Morning in Rome”: Aurelian’s Eastern Captives Coinage, c. 274 CE.
Depicting Eastern captives with the legend ORIENS AVG, the double-meaning is that the Romans are rising supreme over the East, and that the sun is rising, heralding “a new day” after recent eastern conflicts.