AVT K OVAΛEΡIANOC CE, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / AΔΡ MOΨEATΩN, river-god Pyramus, holding cornucopiae, reclining left on river bridge consisting of five arches; triumphal arch at each end; Δ-Ω-Ρ-E-A between bridge arches, ΠYΡAMOC below, date ET ΓKT in upper field. 31mm, 17.61 grams. Mint of Mopsus in Cilicia, Dated CY 323 (AD 255-256). SNG France 2998; SNG Levante 1359.

With sandy patina, uncleaned. Very rare large coin.

Valerian (Publius Licinius Valerianus) was Roman emperor from 253 to 260 CE, known for his efforts to stabilize the empire during a period of crisis. He ruled jointly with his son, Gallienus, but his reign was marked by constant threats from both external enemies and internal turmoil. Valerian is most infamous for his capture by the Persian King Shapur I after a disastrous defeat in 260 CE — the first and only Roman emperor to be taken prisoner in battle. He spent the rest of his life in captivity, with some accounts suggesting he was humiliated and possibly executed. His capture marked a severe blow to Roman prestige and intensified the empire's ongoing struggles.