An antoninianus struck for Hostilian, the younger son of Trajan Decius and brother of Herennius Etruscus. Unlike his father and elder brother, he did not take part in the disastrous Battle of Abrittus in AD 251. Following their deaths, the new emperor Trebonianus Gallus recognized Hostilian’s dynastic rights and elevated him to the rank of Augustus. His reign, however, proved exceptionally brief – he died later that same year, probably during the epidemic that was sweeping through the Empire.
Antoniniani of Hostilian are considerably scarcer than those of many other emperors of the period.
The reverse legend PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, “Prince of the Youth”, was a traditional title bestowed upon young members of the imperial family and emphasized their position in the line of succession. Hostilian’s military attributes, the standard and spear, present the young heir as a future commander and defender of the Roman state. This type was struck while Hostilian still held the rank of Caesar, as confirmed by the ending of the obverse legend N C – Nobilissimus Caesar.
Due to Hostilian’s exceptionally brief political career, his coinage provides an interesting testimony to the unsuccessful continuation of the dynasty of Trajan Decius.
Flan crack.
Roman Imperial
Hostilian (251), Antoninian 251, Rome mint
Obverse: radiated bust right
C VALENS HOSTIL MES QVINTVS NC
Reverse: Hostilian standing left, holding standard and spear
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS
Diameter 22 mm, weight 3.75 g
