The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC Ch XF Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

A plethora of Emperors – both legitimate and otherwise – reigned during Rome’s Crisis of the Third Century. Among the long list of usurpers were dynasts collectively referred to as the Macriani, whose progenitor, Fulvius Iunius Macrianus, aka Macrianus Major, once served under Augustus Valerian. In 260 AD when Valerian fell prisoner to the Sassanids, Macrianus Major suggested a change in Rome’s leadership team. With the support of Valerian’s praetorian prefect, not to mention access to the imperial coffers, the elder Macriani put forth as candidates his two sons: Macrianus Minor and Quietus. The newly proclaimed co-Augusti quickly consolidated power over Rome’s easternmost territories. Their reach included Egypt, an important supplier of grain to Rome. Meanwhile in the west, the situation was equally, if not more, chaotic. For one thing, the prominent general Postumus had been elevated to Augustus by his troops, and several provinces followed suit, resulting in a new breakaway realm. In addition, the demise of Valerian dynasts Valerian II (under suspicious circumstances) and Saloninus (via murder) left Rome whittled down to a lone, legitimate Augustus, Valerian’s son Gallienus. The latter had his hands full with crises, for example responding to a barbarian barrage into Italy that nearly reached the Eternal City. With the Roman Empire mired in crisis, the Macriani’s time had come. Advertising their intentions, they struck coins at eastern mints such as Samosata, Alexandria, and Antioch, the source of this ancient bronze antoninianus. To advertise their intentions, the Macriani struck coins at eastern mints such as Samosata, Alexandria, and Antioch, the source of this ancient bronze antoninianus. The obverse design is very typical for the period, depicting a radiate and draped bust of Quietus along with the epithet IMP C FVL QVIETVS PF AVG. On the reverse of this particular issue stands Sol Invictus, denoted by the inscription SOL INVICTO. Sol Invictus, or the “Unconquered Sun," was the official sun god of the mid to late Roman Empire, as well and a patron of Roman soldiers. The sun god holds a globe, suggesting that the unstoppable co-Augusti would restore the Empire’s world domination. Other related themes found on Quietus’ coinage include AEQVITAS AVGG (balance and prosperity), FORT REDVX (return to good fortune), SPES PVBLICA (good hope), and ROMAE AETERNAE (enduring Rome). As it tuned out, the Macriani didn’t live up to their numismatic hype. In 261 AD, Macrianus Major and Minor headed west, to challenge Gallienus’ dominion over the shrinking Roman Empire. Standing in their way were Pannonia’s powerful legions, under the commanded of the talented general Aureolus (yet another, future usurper). Far short of their ultimate goal, the father-and-son duo were defeated, and reportedly ordered their own executions. Soon thereafter, a weakened Quietus was killed under siege in his last Syrian stronghold of Emesa. Beyond highlights of their rise and fall, many details of the Macriani’s history remain uncertain. A similar situation exists for the many other usurpers who challenged Rome during the great Crisis of the Third Century. Based on numismatic evidence, Quietus and his brother endeavored to restore Rome’s past greatness. That vision, however, would not be realized for another generation. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Quietus, Usurper, AD 260-1, Antoninianus (21 mm, 4.97g, 6h), Antioch, 2nd emission, NGC Grade: Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 3/5, Obverse: Radiate and draped bust right, IMP C FVL QVIETVS PF AVG, Reverse: Sol Invictus standing facing, head left, raising hand and holding globe, star to left, SOL INVICTO, References: RIC V 10; MIR 44, 1741n; RSC 12a.

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