Roman Sestertius Coins

Inv. No.: c126
Date: A.D. 238.
Weight: 17.76g
 
Obv.: Balbinus, laureate, draped, cuirassed.
IMP.CAES.D.CAEL.BALBINVS AVG.

Rev.: Balbinus standing, togate, holding branch and parazonium.
P.M.TR.P.COS.II P.P.S.C.

Balbinus was declared Augustus jointly with Pupienus on 9 July, 238. He had previously distinguished himself as a just and competent governor of several provinces. Despite threats from Maximinus, the Goths and the Persians, he proved a wise, disinterested and efficient ruler. But after three months he and his colleague were murdered by venal praetorians.

The parazonium, a short, sheathed sword worn at the belt, is often shown as an attribute of the deity Virtus. It may, therefore, be taken here as a symbol of the Emperor’s valour.

The realistic portrait on the obverse is remarkably consistent throughout Balbinus’ coinage.

Presented by the Classics and Ancient History Students Society, 1980.

Comparanda:
RIC, Balbinus 16.