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Æ24 - Valerian and Gallienus ΝΙΚΑΙΕΩΝ, ΔΙΟΝΥϹΙΑ, ΟΥΑΛΕ ΓΑΛ
| Issuer | Nicaea (Bithynia and Pontus) |
|---|---|
| Year | 253-260 |
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| Reference(s) | X#90352 |
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| Obverse lettering | Γ Π ΛΙΚ ΟΥΑΛΕΡΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ (Translation: G Publius Licinius Valerian Augustus) |
| Reverse description | An agonistic prize table with curved, ornately rendered legs is depicted in the field, upon which rest three prize crowns, each issuing a pair of palm fronds — emblematic of victory in the sacred games. The composition celebrates the Dionysia games held at Nicaea, as proclaimed by the surrounding legend. The reverse type is a well-known motif on Bithynian civic bronzes commemorating local agonistic festivals, here specifically the Dionysia Valeriana Galliena, honouring both the festival and the reigning co-emperors. |
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| Additional information |
Nicaea was one of the most prolific civic mints in Bithynia, continuing to strike bronze into the joint reign of Valerian I and Gallienus even as the Roman world fractured under the pressure of simultaneous frontier crises. The Διονύσια inscription references the festival games held in honor of Dionysus — a longstanding civic tradition that provincial cities used to assert cultural identity and attract imperial patronage. Nicaea's appeal to such festivals on coinage was partly political currency: demonstrating loyalty while advertising local prestige to Rome.
Valerian was captured by Shapur I of Persia around 260 AD, ending the joint reign abruptly.