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 later 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 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 possibly named Aurelian as successor, or perhaps death arrived before he decided. His legions were either unaware or disapproving of Quintillus' elevation, and instead nominated Aurelian. This confusion is but a microcosm of Quintillus’ history, and highlights the potential for instability during the transition between Augusti of the Roman Empire. Quintillus’ reign was brief; the exact duration, of course, depends of the history cited, somewhere between 17 and 177 days. The period was sufficient to allow many Empire mints to strike coins bearing his name and likeness. Those surviving provide insight into what the new Emperor might have been all about. This antoninianus, struck in Milan, provides an example. On the obverse, Quintillus 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 his epithet, MARTI PACI, in just the right place. Perhaps Quintillus dared his colleagues to follow him, and strive 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 failed to convince his troops to support him for the throne. No matter the details, Quintillus’ rise to fame and glory came to an end. His true potential for leadership and future accomplishments 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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