Reproduction Aureus of Balbinus - Victory

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