Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 135 21 Nov 2022
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The Roman Empire. Carinus augustus, 283 – 285.
Aureus, Siscia, 283-285, AV 4.42 g. IMP C M AVR CARINVS P F AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. ABVNDANTIA AVGG Abundantia standing l., emptying cornucopia. C 1 var. (different obverse legend). RIC 308 var. (different obverse legend). Calicó 4341 var. (different obverse legend).
Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. A lovely portrait of fine style
and a superb light reddish tone. Good extremely fine
Carinus is, perhaps, one of the most underrated evil-doers of the Roman Empire. If the words of the historian Eutropius are of any value, this emperor's reputation was terrible: "He put to death very many innocent men on false charges, seduced the wives of nobles and even ruined those of his school fellows who had taunted him at school, even with trivial banter." (Breviarium IX.19). The histories are persistent about his seemingly insatiable desire for women. The Historia Augusta reports that he was married and divorced nine times, and that he abandoned some of his wives while they were pregnant. We must, of course temper our view, as it is a fact that history is written by the victor. Considering Carinus was overthrown by Diocletian, who subsequently ruled with unquestioned supremacy for two decades, we might suspect that Carinus was unfairly maligned to add greater justification for the revolt of Diocletian who, after all, was little more than just another usurper when his army hailed him emperor against the legitimate emperor Carinus.
Graded Ch AU Strike 5/5 Surface 4/5, NGC certification number 6556713-043
Aureus, Siscia, 283-285, AV 4.42 g. IMP C M AVR CARINVS P F AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. ABVNDANTIA AVGG Abundantia standing l., emptying cornucopia. C 1 var. (different obverse legend). RIC 308 var. (different obverse legend). Calicó 4341 var. (different obverse legend).
Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. A lovely portrait of fine style
and a superb light reddish tone. Good extremely fine
Carinus is, perhaps, one of the most underrated evil-doers of the Roman Empire. If the words of the historian Eutropius are of any value, this emperor's reputation was terrible: "He put to death very many innocent men on false charges, seduced the wives of nobles and even ruined those of his school fellows who had taunted him at school, even with trivial banter." (Breviarium IX.19). The histories are persistent about his seemingly insatiable desire for women. The Historia Augusta reports that he was married and divorced nine times, and that he abandoned some of his wives while they were pregnant. We must, of course temper our view, as it is a fact that history is written by the victor. Considering Carinus was overthrown by Diocletian, who subsequently ruled with unquestioned supremacy for two decades, we might suspect that Carinus was unfairly maligned to add greater justification for the revolt of Diocletian who, after all, was little more than just another usurper when his army hailed him emperor against the legitimate emperor Carinus.
Graded Ch AU Strike 5/5 Surface 4/5, NGC certification number 6556713-043