Lot 2157

Description

Balbinus, (A.D. 238), silver antoninianus, Rome mint, issued A.D. 238, obv. radiate bust of Balbinus to right, around IMP CAES D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, rev. clasped hands, around CONCORDIA, (S.2394, RIC 10, C.3). Extremely fine and rare.

During the course of the joint reign of Pupienus and Balbinus they 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.