The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
Enlarge  
  
Reverse
Enlarge  

Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS* Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

The year 238 AD was a particularly tough one for Roman Emperors. It started off with Maximinus Thrax wearing the purple. Maximinus focused on campaigning against Rome’s enemies and kept his troops contented, i.e., well paid, at the consequence of increased taxation, which, not surprisingly, caused his popularity to plummet otherwise. The situation led to a revolt in the Africa province, during which Gordian I, and his son Gordian II, were proclaimed co-Augusti. The Senate confirmed the appointments; Maximinus, begging to differ, collected his troops from the eastern front and marched to Rome Within weeks, the African rebellion was quashed and the Gordians were dead. Maximinus was still headed to Rome, which meant serious trouble for the Senate who had betrayed him. To organize a defense, twenty leading Senators formed a committee. Among this group, two were chosen and confirmed as the next co-Augusti: Balbinus and Pupienus (died 238 AD). Why these two particular men (both at least in their late sixties) earned the throne is not certain, although both had experience in civil and military leadership. Perhaps they actively sought power, or perhaps they drew short straws (after all, being Emperor was risky business, as evidenced by the Gordians). Prior to his ascension, Pupienus forged an impressive political career, having previously held numerous high offices, including two times as Consul, governorship of several provinces, and Urban Prefect of Rome. While serving the latter role, Pupienus earned a reputation for severity; therefore, the Roman people viewed his ascension with distaste. To improve their image and promote calm, Pupienus and Balbinus named Gordian I’s young grandson as heir (their Caesar). Having nominated the young Gordian III, the reign of Pupienus and Balbinus might now be viewed more favorably, in the context of a guardianship. More importantly, with the Gordian’s family wealth added to the imperial coffers, and the co-Augusti distributed a cash bonus to the Roman population. Of course, Pupienus and Balbinus also produced coins to advertise their status and promote peace and harmony within the Empire. Since their reign was very short lived - a mere three months –coins for these two Augusti are rather scarce. The current coin is an example Pupienus denarius with a particularly high quality of craftsmanship, earning a prestigious Fine Style designation by NGC Ancients. The obverse depicts Pupienus as Augustus, in traditional laureate, draped, and cuirassed style. On the reverse sits Pax, the Roman goddess epitomizing peace, holding an olive branch and a scepter. The epithet, PAX PVBLICA, was meant to promote peace among the populace. None of this mattered to Maximinus, who kept coming the Senate’s way. Out to meet him marched Pupienus, while Balbinus remained in Rome, attending to its civic administration. The Italian legions practiced a scorched earth strategy, burning lands ahead of Maximinus’ army. The latter, starved for food, rebelled and killed their leader, racking up the 238 AD Augusti death toll to three. Pupienus arrived on the scene after the deed, victorious without even a fight. He returned to Rome accompanied by new, burly bodyguards - Maximinus’ German legions, now quite grateful to receive food and donatives provided by their new employer. Pupienus returned in triumph, only to discover things had not gone well back in Rome; Balbinus was busy dealing with unrest, to the point of rioting. Adding to the discord, the Praetorian Guard viewed Pupienus’ new bodyguards as a threat to their traditional role as the Emperor’s protectorate. Pupienus argued the idea with Balbinus, mistrustful, if not jealous of his colleague. While the two were arguing, the praetorians stormed their meeting, seized the pair, and executed them before anyone could come to their aid. The deed marked a new and inglorious record of five Emperors slain within a year – only about six months, actually – and Gordian III became the sixth person to rule the Roman Empire in 238 AD. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Pupienus, 238 AD, AR Denarius (20 mm, 3.64 g, 12h), Rome mint, 1st emission, NGC Grade: MS*, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Fine Style, Obverse: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, Reverse: Pax seated left with branch & scepter, PAX PVBLICA, References: RIC IV 4; RSC 22; BMCRE 46-7.

To follow or send a message to this user,
please log in