The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Reverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS Strike: 4/5 Surface: 5/5
Grade Comment: silvering
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

The existing records regarding Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus (ca. 220 – 270 AD) often conflict one another. For certain, his lot transformed from obscurity to prominence in 268 AD when his brother, Claudius Gothicus, earned the throne. When the latter died of plague a couple years later, Quntillus’ career escalated even further. He was somehow selected as next Augustus, probably not by his own machinations, but by the Senate, or perhaps by the troops, and later confirmed by the Senate. The appointment may, or more likely may not, have been the dying wishes of Claudius Gothicus, who may have instead named Aurelian as his successor. Many legions were either unaware or disapproving of Quintillus' elevation, and instead hailed Aurelian. This confusion is but a microcosm of Quintillus’ mysterious history, and highlights the great potential for instability at each imperial regime change. Quintillus’ reign was brief. The exact duration (of course) depends on the historical account, somewhere between 17 and 177 days. Even so, the Empire's mints had sufficient opportunity to strike coins bearing his name and likeness. Surviving coins, such as this 270 AD antoninianus struck in Milan, provide some insight into the life and times of Quintillus. On the obverse, the Augustus is draped, cuirassed, and wears a radiate crown that complements his curly locks so well, it appears it belonged there all his life. The hair and crown are offset by Quintillus’ resolute expression and meticulously groomed facial hair. Perhaps the new Augustus took his image very seriously. On the coin’s reverse stands Mars, the Roman God of war, with an olive branch in one hand, and a spear in the other. This guise represents Mars the Peacemaker, in a particularly artistic depiction. Mars appears defiant, his gaze and fully outstretched arm drawing all attention to the branch, as if daring peace, leaving no room for another option. The God’s intimidating spear, clearly in reserve (just in case), spans the entire flan, disrupting the epithet, MARTI PACI, in exactly the most appropriate place. Perhaps Quintillus dared his colleagues to follow him in striving for peace, at least within the confines of the Roman Empire. Accounts detailing Quintillus’ demise are all over the itinerarium (that’s what the Romans used for a road map). Perhaps he died at the hands of his own soldiers, averse to his strict military discipline. Alternatively, he was killed in a conflict, presumably with his Augustian rival, Aurelian. By some accounts, Quintuillus decided on suicide (possibly physician assisted) after learning of Aurelian's ascendancy, either for the good of the Empire, or because he despaired after failing to gain his own troops' support. Regardless of the exact details, Quintillus’ historical prominence faded as rapidly as it had risen. His true potential for leadership over the Roman Empire can only be imagined. Additional Reading: B Welch, “The Sign Language of Roman Coins: Mars, the God of War,” 2010. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Quintillus, AD 270, Antoninianus (18mm, 2.94 g, 12h), Mediolanum (Milan) mint, 1st officina, 1st emission, late August-November, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, IMP QVINTILLVS AVG, Reverse: Mars standing left, holding olive branch and spear, MARTI PACI, P in exergue, Reference: RIC V 58.

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