Description: This was purchased from an Iowa coin dealer by the name of Terry Frayier. I have placed it in a non-PVC coin protector (won't react with the metal) and have included a small info sheet. Hostilian was a Roman emperor who reigned briefly in 251 AD during a turbulent period in the empire's history. The younger son of Emperor Decius, Hostilian was initially made Caesar, a junior co-ruler, alongside his father and older brother, Herennius Etruscus. After the deaths of his father and brother in battle against the Goths, Hostilian was elevated to the rank of Augustus, becoming co-emperor with Trebonianus Gallus. His reign, however, was short-lived. While it's traditionally believed that Hostilian died of the plague later that year, some sources suggest he may have been killed by Trebonianus Gallus to consolidate power. Hostilian's death marked the tragic end of his family's brief prominence in Roman imperial politics. Description of the depictions and legends: Obverse:Description: The obverse features a bust of Hostilian, depicted bare-headed (without a laurel wreath), and cuirassed (wearing a military breastplate), facing right. This portrayal emphasizes his role as a young leader and military figure, even though he was relatively inexperienced.Inscription: The legend around the bust reads “C VAL HOST M QVINTVS C,” which stands for "Gaius Valens Hostilianus Messius Quintus Caesar," Hostilian’s full name and title, reflecting his status as Caesar and later Augustus.Reverse:Description: The reverse depicts the personification of Moesia, the province where the coin was minted. The female figure stands with her head facing left and her arms outstretched over a lion on the left and a bull on the right. These animals symbolize the legions stationed in Moesia: the lion represents Legio VII Claudia, and the bull represents Legio IV Flavia Felix, both of which were critical in defending the province.Inscription: The reverse legend is partly preserved as “(P)MS (COL VIM),” which likely abbreviates "Provincia Moesia Superior Colonia Viminacium," indicating the province and the colonial status of Viminacium. The exergue, the space below the main image, contains the inscription “(AN XII),” indicating the twelfth year since the establishment of Viminacium as a Roman colony, which corresponds to 251 AD.
Price: 35.99 USD
Location: Columbia, Missouri
End Time: 2024-12-30T05:31:26.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Denomination: As
Historical Period: Roman: Imperial (27 BC-476 AD)
Year: 251 AD
Era: Ancient
Ruler: Hostilian
