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Every man is liable to err; it is the part only of a fool to persevere in error; for the later thoughts, as the saying is, are usually the wiser.” T. Cicero,
Phillippic 12:5.
Just days after Julius Ceasar’s murder, Cicero recalled history’s lessons: in the name of preserving themselves and the precious Republic, he implored Rome’s Senate to eliminate Caesar’s supporters. History, however, was not to be denied, and the events set in motion inexorably led to the Republic’s transition to Empire. The same pattern of betrayal begetting regime change was seemingly imprinted on Rome’s psyche even since the Eternal City’s eponymous founding story. With full strength that theme carried on into the Crisis of the Third Century, a period wherein history claimed many victims, including the young boy featured on this coin, Publius Licinius Cornelius Saloninus Valerianus (died 260 AD).
The great irony of Saloninus’ story is the failure his father Gallienus and grandfather Valerian to learn from their own dynastic disaster. The co-Augusti sent their first heir, young Valerian II, to the troubled Illyrian provinces with the objective to promote calm and stability. Tragically, the newly promoted young Caesar, who was under the protection of (purportedly) trusted advisors met an untimely — and highly suspicious — end. So, when it came time to debut their second heir, namely Saloninus, one would think the co-Augusti would take a more cautious approach. However, once again, they sent their young Caesar to the frontier to try to promote stability. Tragically, once again, the decision led to disaster.
Ahead of Saloninus’ mission, it was important to spread the word of his new station. Saloninus' promotional campaign, like those of all imperial family members, including the striking and distribution of coinage, such as this double-denarius dating 258 to 260 AD. The obverse portrays the Caesar's youthful bust, radiated and draped, bearing the legend P COR SAL VALERIANVS CAES. In both design and inscription, the portrait deliberately affirms his membership in the imperial clan. The reverse carries the coin’s powerful propaganda: a strong, contrapposto Jupiter, king of the gods, stands holding a large scepter and actively presents a small figure of Victory to the young Caesar. The epithet, DII NVTRITORES, meaning "The Fostering Gods" or "Divine Educators," invokes the gods' direct involvement in rearing and preparing Saloninus for command. This message advertised the Caesar’s divine destiny to secure success and stability for the Empire on behalf of the Valerian dynasty.
Notwithstanding the coin's upbeat messaging, the future of the Valerian dynasty was in dire jeopardy. The situation deteriorated drastically when Augustus Valerian was captured and presumed slain while battling the Sasanians on the eastern frontier. This shocking event occurred around the same time as Valerian II’s death and Saloninus' relocation to the frontier in the West, specifically Gaul, making it difficult to determine the exact sequencing of the accumulating disasters. In response to the crisis, Gallienus entrusted one of Rome's most prominent generals, Postumus, to serve as Saloninus' mentor and protector on the ground in Gaul.
Despite all the dynastic investment and divine promises advertised on the coinage, things did not turn out favorably for Saloninus. The crisis reached its peak after Postumus' troops defeated a band of German raiders. The young Caesar, exercising his imperial authority, ordered the resulting war booty be handed over for the good of the Empire. This decision was instantly frowned upon by Postumus' battle-hardened, war-weary troops, who were keen to distribute the spoils among themselves. Subsequently, the army revolted and laid siege to Saloninus. In a desperate, self-initiated effort to regain authority, the teenager laid claim to the full title of co-Augustus. However, the new rank provided no protection. Instead, Postumus was instantly declared Augustus by his rebellious troops, who then killed Saloninus on their way to enjoying their hard-earned plunder.
Thus, those who were meant to be protectors and fall under the protection of the divinely nurtured Caesar instead became his executioners. In retrospect, these events were highly predictable, and perhaps thus avoidable, had only the Valerian clan taken a different approach to securing the western front. Cicero was indeed correct that hindsight is always 20/20.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Saloninus, As Caesar, AD 258-260, BI Double-Denarius (20mm, 3.26 g, 6h), Antioch mint, 5th emission, AD 257-260, NGC Grade: XF, Strike: 3/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Radiate and draped bust right, P COR SAL VALERIANVS CAES, Reverse: Jupiter standing left, holding scepter and presenting a small Victory to Saloninus standing right, DII NVTRITORES, References: RIC V 35; MIR 36, 1606e; RSC 21.
Image: Sony ɑ 7R Ⅴ camera / Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens.