Very rare denarius of Balbinus (AD 238), struck at the Rome mint, belonging to issues from one of the most turbulent episodes in imperial history, commonly referred to as the “Year of the Six Emperors.” Balbinus was elevated to power simultaneously with Pupienus by decision of the Senate, forming an exceptional dual emperorship. Ancient sources and modern scholarship, including the work of André Chastagnol and Michel Christol, confirm that their joint reign lasted only a few months and ended abruptly with their murder by the Praetorian Guard.
The obverse presents a laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of the emperor facing right, with the legend IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, giving his full titulature as imperator and augustus.
The reverse depicts Victoria standing left, holding a wreath and palm branch, with the legend VICTORIA AVGG. Victoria, as the personification of victory, was a central motif in imperial propaganda, particularly in times of political uncertainty. The wreath signifies triumph, while the palm branch represents victory and success.
The legend VICTORIA AVGG refers directly to both ruling Augusti Balbinus and Pupienus and serves as a clear propagandistic statement emphasizing unity of power during a moment of crisis. Such types are characteristic of the coinage of AD 238, when monetary issues were actively used to legitimize a newly established political arrangement.
The extremely short duration of Balbinus’ reign is directly reflected in the rarity of his coinage, a fact well supported by numismatic evidence and their limited appearance on the auction market.
Roman Imperial
Balbinus (238), Denarius 238, Rome mint
Obverse: laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG
Reverse: Victory standing right, head left, holding wreath and palm frond
VICTORIA AVGG
Diameter 20 mm, weight 2.06 g
