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Aemilian
Aemilian Antoninianus. 253, Rome. Billion. 20.5 mm, 6 h, 3.22 g. IMP CAES AEMILIANVS P F AVG Bust radiate, draped and cuirassed of Aemilian to the right, 3/4 view from behind / VIRTVS AVG Virtus standing to the left, holding a long staff in the left hand and an olive branch in the right. C.59 - RIC.22 - RCV.9849. Ex. CGB Live Auction, lot 684239, 12/05/2023.
Aemilian, known formally as Marcus Aemilius Aemilianus, was a Roman emperor whose fleeting reign in 253 CE epitomizes the chaos of the Crisis of the Third Century. His rise and fall were shaped by the instability of an empire beset by external invasions, economic struggles, and frequent power struggles.
Aemilian was born in Mauretania (modern-day North Africa) around the early third century CE. He rose through the military ranks and was appointed governor of the strategically critical province of Moesia (modern-day Balkans). In this capacity, he defended the empire’s Danube frontier against the Goths, who had been a persistent threat. Aemilian achieved a significant victory against them in 253 CE, reportedly refusing to pay the customary tribute. His triumph won him the loyalty of his troops, who proclaimed him emperor in defiance of Emperor Trebonianus Gallus.
Marching on Rome with his army, Aemilian quickly defeated Gallus and his son Volusianus, securing his position as emperor. However, his reign lasted only a few months. Like many "barracks emperors" of this era, Aemilian's authority was tenuous, reliant on military support rather than institutional legitimacy. The Senate reluctantly confirmed his rule, but Aemilian soon faced a new challenge when Valerian, a powerful commander in the Rhine region, was declared emperor by his own forces.
Before Aemilian could consolidate his power or face Valerian in battle, his soldiers, likely swayed by the prospect of Valerian’s stronger position and fearing defeat, assassinated him near Spoletium (modern-day Spoleto, Italy).
Aemilian’s brief reign exemplifies the relentless cycle of civil wars and military usurpations that characterized the Crisis of the Third Century. While his victory over the Goths demonstrated his military skill, his inability to secure long-term support underscores the fragility of power during one of Rome’s most tumultuous periods.
Aemilian struck some of the best antoniniani of the 3rd century. The obverse of this coin is struck in relatively high relief from a fresh die. The portrait is of fine stye for the period and the silvering is completely intact indicating the absence of wear. It would be wonderful if more coins from this period were available in such condition.