Balbinus AD 238 Silver Antoninianus Rome

Balbinus AD 238 Silver Antoninianus

Laureate bust right/Clasped hands

Rome

RCV 8484, 23mm, 4.35g

 

Balbinus was born during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and had twice held the office of consul. At the time of the revolt against Maximinus he was a distinguished member of the Senate. Having committed itself to the revolt the Senate felt obliged to continue the struggle against Maximinus upon news of the failure of the revolt in North Africa. Their immediate concern was the defence of Italy against Maximinus. Pupienus was charged with organising the defence and was appointed co emperor along with his colleague Balbinus who took responsibility for the administration. They did not get on. Although some relieve was provided when Maximinus was murdered the two co emperors quickly became unpopular until they were both murdered by the praetorian guard less than 3 months after they had been appointed.
Coinage issued for Balbinus and Pupienus is scarce and for the last time in the history of the imperial currency was all issued by the mint in Rome. The main numismatic event was the re introduction of the antoninianus. This time inflationary pressures quickly drove the denarius out of circulation thus ending a denomination that had been a mainstay of the currency for over 400 years.