| Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 146 | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 2386 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Carinus caesar, 282 – 283. Aureus, Siscia circa 282, AV 19 mm, 4.60 g. M AVR CARINVS NOB CAES Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust l., holding a transverse spear and shield with horseman-enemy motif. Rev. MARS V – LTOR Mars advancing r., holding spear and shield. C 50. RIC 188. Calicò 4349 (this coin). Very rare and possibly the finest specimen in private hands. A spectacular and finely detailed portrait of excellent style. Virtually as struck and almost Fdc Ex NAC 2, 2002, 130; NAC 25, 2003, 570 and NAC 127, 2021, 344 sales. This coin is illustrated in The Roman Aurei by X. E. Calicó. Carinus is, perhaps, one of the 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. Estimate: 25000 CHF |  |
