Æ29 - Valerian and Gallienus ΕΠΙ Ϲ ΑΥΡ ΕΛΠΙΔΗΦΟΡΟΥ Ν / ΚΥΜ-Α-ΙΩ-Ν

Cyme, one of the oldest Aeolian Greek foundations on the Ionian coast, issued civic bronzes under the joint reign of Valerian and Gallienus through the authority of a local magistrate — here the strategos Aurelius Elpidephoros, whose name dominates the obverse legend. The practice of naming magistrates on provincial bronzes was administratively meaningful, not merely honorific; it assigned accountability for the issue.

Valerian was captured by Shapur I of Persia around 260 AD, the only Roman emperor taken prisoner in battle, an event that effectively ended the co-reign this coin commemorates.