Antoninianus - Hostilian as Caesar PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS
251 year| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Decius (Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius) (249-251) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 251 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#282888 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hostilian, in military attire, standing left, holding wand in right hand and transverse spear in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS
Translation:
Principi Juventutis.
To the prince of the youth.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare portrait of Hostilian, who was a short-lived Roman emperor who ruled for only a few months in 251 AD. He was appointed as Caesar by his father, Emperor Decius, and was known for his military campaigns against the Goths. The coin's design, which includes the title "PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS" (meaning "Prince of Youth"), suggests that Hostilian was being groomed as a future emperor, but he died shortly after his father's death, and his legacy was largely forgotten. This coin is a rare surviving example of his brief reign and offers a glimpse into the political and military history of the Roman Empire during that time.