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Pupienus
Pupienus. AD 238. AR Denarius (21mm, 2.50 g, 7h). Rome mint. 1st emission. IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PAX PVBLICA, Pax, draped, seated left on throne, raising olive branch in right and and transverse scepter in left, fold of drapery over left arm. RIC IV 4; BMCRE 46-7; RSC 22. From the Thomas A. Palmer Collection. Ex. CNG Triton XXV, lot 965, 01/11/2022.
Pupienus, a Roman emperor who ruled briefly in 238 CE, is a figure emblematic of the political turbulence of the 3rd century. Known fully as Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus, he was one of two emperors jointly appointed by the Senate during the so-called Year of the Six Emperors. His rise to power was part of the Senate's effort to overthrow the despotic rule of Maximinus Thrax, a military emperor who had alienated Rome's elites.
Pupienus was a seasoned statesman and military leader, recognized for his competence in administrative and military roles. Before becoming emperor, he had served as a consul and a city prefect, demonstrating his ability to maintain order and defend Roman interests. In 238 CE, as discontent with Maximinus grew, the Senate selected Pupienus and Balbinus as co-emperors to provide both military strength and political stability. While Pupienus was tasked with confronting Maximinus militarily, Balbinus was to manage Rome's internal affairs.
Pupienus successfully led the campaign that culminated in the assassination of Maximinus by his own troops during the siege of Aquileia. This victory, however, did little to stabilize the empire. The relationship between Pupienus and Balbinus was fraught with mistrust, and their joint rule failed to unify the Senate, the military, and the people. Moreover, they faced hostility from the Praetorian Guard, who resented their appointment by the Senate rather than the army.
Their reign ended tragically after only a few months. The Praetorian Guard, dissatisfied and rebellious, assassinated both Pupienus and Balbinus in a violent coup. Their deaths paved the way for the ascension of Gordian III, a young and inexperienced emperor.
Pupienus’s brief reign highlights the challenges of governing an empire fraught with internal divisions and military unrest, underscoring the fragility of Roman imperial authority during the 3rd century.
The portrait on this Pupienus denarius is exceptionally rendered in high relief and realistic detail. The coin has wonderful old-collection toning giving it lovely eye-appeal. Except for the weak reverse, which is very common in this era, the coin really stands out among the population of otherwise bland Pupienus coins.