2017-09-02 Sat

An auction by Paul-Francis Jacquier would be offering a new type of an antoninianus coin for Postumus on 15th September.

The earlier known type of the same coin is famous for its unique bust. The bust on the obverse is armoured but without drapery, making the type different from several other samples that were found in coin hoards, public and private collections, and auction catalog illustrations. Coins of Postumus, antoniniani mostly featured a ruler’s bust cuirassed, wearing a military commander’s cloak.

The rare type dated to the beginning of 268 was produced in Cologne and weighs 3.44 grams. Experts believe that the offered example is not an error coin or a fake. The uniquely styled inscriptions, portrait, and the quality of the metal makes it obvious that the coin is a real one.

The reverse depicts Jupiter with a scepter and thunderbolt. Reverse inscriptions varied considerably in antoninianus coins of Postumu. Experts don’t know if other examples with the same bust have reverse inscriptions different from those on the offered coin. Graded Extremely Fine by the auction house, the coin has an estimated price of €2,500.