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 Replies: 8 / Views: 872 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1120 Posts |
Haven't posted in awhile, but I just picked up this Antoninianus. I'm getting down to trying to fill the scarce emperors in my collection. The seller couldn't make out the emperor and yes the legend is barely legible, however, I'm 90% sure it's Hostilian, buuuut my eyes are getting bad, so second opinions are always great. If I'm correct - today is a great day. Hostilian AR Antoninianus. 3.4 grams C VALENS HOSTIL MES QVINTVS NC, radiate, draped bust right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Hostilian standing left, holding spear & standard. RIC 181d, RSC 34.  Edited by travelcoin
04/21/2022 3:54 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
725 Posts |
Yes, I can't see a C at the start of the obverse legend but it's hard not to see VALENS HOSTIL after that.
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Pillar of the Community
 Spain
2752 Posts |
 ...Did look quickly at Herrenius Etruscus (the H) just to make sure, as the portrait is slightly similar and has a similar reverse but his legends are much shorter and usually starts with a Q... It's a very nice coin with subtle toning.. Great addition to your collection. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4883 Posts |
Hostilian was yet another mere youth (the reverse legend of this coin in fact translates as "young prince") who was swept up into the maelstrom of imperial political intrigue. It's not clear just how old he was at the time of his death, nor whether he died of plague or was in fact done away with by Gallus to permit the elevation of his son Volusianus to the position of co-emperor. This coin would've had to have been struck sometime in 250 or early 251, and his issues appear to be very scarce. Terrific acquisition, especially considering its condition.
Colligo ergo sum
Edited by Lucky Cuss
04/21/2022 7:17 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1120 Posts |
Paul, yes I did look into Herrenius Etruscus, Hostilian and Philip II. But Hostilian it is - everyone, thanks for looking and backing me up. I got this on the relatively on the cheap considering what these go for. I tell ya, without this forum, I would have given up on this hobby a long time ago.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1120 Posts |
Lucky thanks for the information, very interesting.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
Nice pickup! I agree it's definitely Hostilian, although a weird portrait for him... normally his issues as Caesar give him a very round head and button nose  IMO, the portrait looks more like Etruscus  Perhaps they just used one of his portraits? Decius' Busts also vary quite a bit, so perhaps 2 or 3 chief engravers at the mint at that time. Super pick up! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1120 Posts |
Steve, the portrait is what threw me off. It is even similar to Gordian III, although the legend ruled him out.
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Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
Yes as Steve said the portrait is why I went straight to H.E as there was no pug nose?...
Hostilian coins are not that common so this style of portrait makes the op coin just that little bit more special!
Congrats!
Paul
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Replies: 8 / Views: 872 |
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Posted 04/21/2022 3:54 pm
