Valerian II                           Caesar 256 - 258

Son of Gallienus (or possibly Valerian). This young boy was left in the care of Ingenuus, a trusted general under the employ of Gallienus. Valerian died under mysterious circumstances not too long after and Ingenuus rebelled. The easiest conclusion to make is that Ingenuus murdered him to pursue his imperatorial career. However, it is just as likely that Valerian died of natural causes and that Ingenuus, afraid of being blamed, took the drastic step of usurping the throne as a precautionary step.

AE Antoninianus 256--258 A.D. Lugdunum 3.39 g., 21 mm. Obv. DIVO VALERIANO CAES: Radiate and draped bust right Rev. CONSACRATIO: Eagle, wings extended, standing left, head right Goebl-910c (18 spec,), Cunetio Hoard-741 (33 spec.), C. 2, RIC 8, Van Meter 1/1