Very rare antoninian of Aemilian, struck at the Rome mint in AD 253, belonging to the coinage of one of the shortest-reigning emperors in Roman history. His rule lasted only a few months, which is directly reflected in the limited surviving output and the pronounced rarity of his issues.
The obverse presents a radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of the emperor facing right, with the legend IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, giving his full titulature as pius felix augustus. The radiate crown denotes the antoninianus denomination, the principal silver coin of the period.
The reverse depicts Spes standing left, holding a flower, with the legend SPES PVBLICA. Spes, as the personification of hope, belonged to the standard repertoire of Roman imperial iconography and was especially employed at moments of political transition, emphasizing expectations of renewal and prosperity for the state.
The legend SPES PVBLICA (“the hope of the state”) carries a clear propagandistic message in this context, referring to the beginning of a new reign and the effort to establish legitimacy amid instability.
Aemilian was born in the province of Mauretania around AD 210 and gained distinction as a capable military commander. As governor of Moesia, he secured the loyalty of the legions, which proclaimed him emperor in the summer of 253. He then advanced into Italy, where Trebonianus Gallus and Volusianus were killed, enabling his recognition by the Senate.
His reign ended just as abruptly faced with the advancing forces of Valerian, he was murdered by his own troops before a decisive battle could take place. The brevity of his rule and the dramatic circumstances of his death make his coinage among the most sought-after of the mid-3rd century Roman series.
Roman Imperial
Aemilian 253, Antoninianus, Rome mint
Obverse: radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
SPES PVBLICA
Diameter 25 mm, weight 2.70 g
