Description: Aurelian and Vabalathus | AE Antoninianus Reference: RIC V.1 381 Date: 270-272 CE Obverse:IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG; bust , radiate, cuirassed, right Reverse: VABALATHVS V C R IM D R: bust, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right Mint: Antioch Size: 21.0 mm Weight: 2.91 grams When Claudius Gothicus died in 270 CE, the Roman client state of Palmyra began to conquer Roman territory in its own right. Since the death of King Odaenathus c. 267 CE, Palmyra had been nominally ruled by his youngest son Vabalathus, although the royal authority truly laid with his mother Queen Zenobia. Initially, Palmyra attempted to maintain an illusion of subordination to the new emperor at Rome (Aurelian). This coin is a testament to that period of imperial recognition, as it displays a radiate Aurelian as emperor on the obverse and a laureate Vabalathus on the reverse. Interstingly, Vabalathus' title string reads V C R IM D R; which is likely Vir Consularis (or Clarissimus) Rex Imperator Dux Romanorum. This simultaneous titles of Rex (King) and Dux Romanorum (Duke of the Romans) both assert authority and pretends to submit to the imperial authority of Aurelian. Ultimately, the facade would fall away and Palmyra would drop Aurelian from its coinage and would strike coins with only Vabalathus or Zenobia. This would continue until 272 CE when Aurelian launched a successful military campaign against the Palmyrene Empire, effectively ending its brief existence in 273 CE with the supression of a final Palmyrene revolt. Zenobia and Vabalathus were brought to Rome by Aurelian and probably paraded in his triumph in 274 CE. Policies I apply the highest ethical standards in selling ancient coins. All coins are guaranteed to be genuine and any item found to be otherwise may be returned for a full refund. The most important thing is that you are happy with your new coin(s)! All coins are shipped in PVC-free, archival-grade coin flips and inserts made of acid-free paper Domestic (USA) shipping only If you purchase multiple items please message me before you pay and I will combine the shipping for you. I accept all returns within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the item. No explanation is required for the return, but it would be appreciated. Any item which has been altered from its original state may not be returned. Don't see what you're looking for? Just shoot me a message, I might have it but haven't gotten around to listing it!
Price: 34.99 USD
Location: Canton, Michigan
End Time: 2024-05-05T20:35:22.000Z
Shipping Cost: 5.5 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Denomination: Antoninianus
Historical Period: Roman: Imperial (27 BC-476 AD)
Composition: Bronze
Year: 270-272 CE
Era: Ancient
Ruler: Aurelian
