Aureus - Hostilian as Caesar (PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS) (251) front Aureus - Hostilian as Caesar (PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS) (251) back
Aureus - Hostilian as Caesar (PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS) (251) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Aureus - Hostilian as Caesar PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS

251 year
Gold 4.3 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Decius (Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius) (249-251)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
251
Value
Aureus (25⁄2)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Gold
Weight
4.3 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#282882
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Hostilian, in military attire, standing left, holding standard in right hand and spear reversed in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS

Translation:
Principi Juventutis.
To the prince of the youth.

Comment

Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Aureus coin featuring Hostilian as Caesar is that it was issued during a time of great turmoil in the Roman Empire. Hostilian was appointed as Caesar by his father, Emperor Decius, in 251 AD, but he died shortly after, in 252 AD, during the plague that swept through Rome. Despite his short reign, the coin bearing his image was still minted and circulated, providing a glimpse into the political and economic climate of the Roman Empire during this period.