Valerian I Bronze Coin from Ancient Anazarbus — Celebrating Rome's Great Games

Own a Coin Honoring the Festivals of the Roman Empire

A real Roman provincial bronze Hexassarion of Emperor Valerian I, struck in the thriving city of Anazarbus in Cilicia and featuring six ceremonial prize urns celebrating ancient athletic and civic competitions.

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🏛 Features six agonistic prize urns celebrating ancient festivals
👑 Struck during the reign of Emperor Valerian I
🤲 The exact historic coin pictured is the one you'll receive

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

This authentic bronze Hexassarion was struck during the reign of Valerian I (AD 253–260), one of the most challenging periods in Roman history. The empire faced invasions, civil wars, and economic instability during the Crisis of the Third Century, yet life continued throughout the provinces as cities proudly celebrated their local traditions and festivals.

This coin was minted in Anazarbus, one of the most prosperous and influential cities of Cilicia (modern-day Turkey). As the provincial capital, Anazarbus was renowned for its impressive public buildings, thriving commerce, and prestigious athletic festivals that attracted competitors and visitors from across the region.

The reverse depicts six agonistic prize urns, symbols associated with the city's celebrated public games. These festivals were far more than athletic contests—they combined sporting events, music, religious ceremonies, and civic celebrations that reinforced local identity and brought communities together. Rather than commemorating an emperor's military victories, this coin celebrates the cultural life and civic pride that endured even during one of Rome's most turbulent eras.

An additional feature makes this coin especially interesting to collectors. The reverse bears the local civic date Year 272, corresponding to AD 253/254, allowing the coin to be dated with unusual precision and connecting it to a specific moment in Roman history.

More than 1,750 years later, this coin offers a fascinating glimpse into the festivals, traditions, and daily life that continued across the Roman Empire, even as the empire itself faced extraordinary challenges.

Perfect For

• First-time ancient coin collectors
• Roman provincial coin enthusiasts
• Collectors of ancient sports and festivals
• History lovers interested in everyday Roman life
• Anyone looking for a unique conversation piece

Coin Details

• The exact Valerian I bronze coin pictured
• Civilization: Roman Empire
• Province: Cilicia
• City: Anazarbus
• Ruler: Valerian I (AD 253–260)
• Date: Civic Year 272 (AD 253/254)
• Century: 3rd Century AD
• Denomination: AE Hexassarion
• Size: 28 mm • 15.87 grams
• Reference: Ziegler 834 (VS1/RS3); SNG Levante 1520
• Guaranteed authentic

Continue the Story

Roman provincial cities celebrated their own festivals, temples, and traditions through distinctive local coinage.

Explore our other Roman provincial coins to discover the remarkable cities, gods, and civic traditions that flourished across the Roman Empire.

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