Roman Imperial, Pupienus, Antoninianus

A rare antoninian of Pupienus featuring one of the most evocative propaganda messages of the turbulent year AD 238, AMOR MVTVVS AVGG, “Mutual Affection of the Augusti”.

The reverse depicts two clasped hands, a traditional Roman symbol of concordia, loyalty and agreement. In this case, its meaning is explicitly defined by the legend AMOR MVTVVS AVGG, referring directly to the two Augusti – Pupienus and Balbinus. The coin was intended to assure its audience that the two emperors exercised power jointly and remained united in their rule.

This message becomes particularly significant in light of the ancient sources, which portray the relationship between Pupienus and Balbinus as far from harmonious. Mutual distrust and rivalry reportedly hindered effective cooperation between the two emperors. The reverse may therefore be understood not only as a declaration of unity, but also as a deliberate attempt to emphasize a quality essential to the stability of their joint rule.

Also noteworthy is the obverse legend IMP CAES PVPIEN MAXIMVS AVG, prominently displaying the cognomen Maximus. Combined with the distinctive mature and bearded portrait of the emperor, it creates a powerful image of Pupienus on one of the relatively few issues produced during his brief reign.

A rare antoninian of Pupienus with the programmatic legend AMOR MVTVVS AVGG, proclaiming the unity of the two co-emperors. A particularly interesting type whose declaration of harmony between Pupienus and Balbinus stands in striking contrast to the accounts of their actual relationship preserved in the ancient sources.