Roman Silver & Bronze Coins - Imperial

Lot 3864    Session 12 (11.30am Thursday)    Roman Silver & Bronze Coins - Imperial

Estimate $900
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $950

BALBINUS, (A.D. 238), silver antoninianus, Rome mint, second emission, issued A.D. 238, (4.58 g), obv. radiate bust of Balbinus to right, around IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, rev. clasped hands, around FIDES MVTVA AVGG, clasped hands, (S.8485, RIC 11, BMC 71, RSC 6). Toned, extremely fine with trace of mint bloom, rare.

Ex D.J.Foster Collection and previously from Noble Numismatics Sale 45 (lot 1917) and the Richard A. Williams Collection.
Pupienus and Balbinus reintroduced the double denarius or antoninianus denomination, which had been discontinued by Elagabalus two decades earlier. Whatever their motives in so doing, this proved to be an act of momentous consequence, for the new coin rapidly drove out of circulation the silver denarius, which had been the mainstay of the currency system for the past 450 years. The issue of antoniniani by both rulers concentrated exclusively on the theme of harmony between the Augusti, an expression of hope rather than a commemoration of the true state of affairs.