Obverse:
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Balbinus
right. Text around IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG.
Reverse:
Winged Victory facing with head to left holding
wreath in right hand and palm in left. Text
around VICTORIA AVGG.
History:
This aureus coin is extremely rare and is
only the third aureus known of this reign
as Balbinis was only emperor for 99 days.
In 238 the senate supported the North African
uprising of the Gordiani against the reigning
emperor Maximinus 'Thrax', but when the Gordiani
were defeated the senate appointed two of
its own members, Balbinus and Pupienus, as
replacement emperors on April 22. Both emperors
were disliked and soon after guerrilla-style
battles in Rome between the senators and their
supporters against the Praetorian Guard both
emperors were murdered after ruling for only
99 days.
Date:
Rome mint, April - June 238AD
Diameter:
1.8cm
