Ancient Roman Antoninianus Struck in the name of Postumus, Aureolus

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Aureolus; Mediolanum, Struck in the name of Postumus, ca. 267-8 AD, Billon Antoninianus, Cunetio-2479, Elmer-612, AGK (corr.) 18c. Obv: [IMP POSTV]MVS AVG, Radiate, draped, [cuirassed] bust of Postumus r. Rx: [FID]ES-E-QV[IT] Fides seated l. holding patera and standard; [P] in exergue. Aureolus was a general who served under Valerian and Gallienus. Around 258, Gallienus stationed a new cavalry unit at Mediolanum to serve as a quick reaction force against any new invasions along the frontier of the central empire. Aureolus was given command of this unit. In 260-1, his forces defeated the armies of the usurpers Ingenuus and Macrianus and recovered the province of Raetia. Following these victories, Gallienus and Aureolus led a Roman army against the breakaway Gallic provinces under Postumus. Gallienus was forced to leave the field after being injured in battle and left the campaign in the hands of Aureolus. Aureolus ended the campaign shortly thereafter, and while the reason is uncertain, the historical record suggests it was due to either his incompetence or else treachery (he had come to a secret agreement with Postumus). While the former seems unlikely, given Aureolus' record, the latter is possible, as there are indications that he had been preparing for a revolt as early as 262. Regardless, at some point in 267, Aureolus revolted and established his base at Mediolanum, where Gallienus besieged him in 268. The details of the revolt are unclear, but it appears that Aureolus first appealed to Postumus for aid, failed to gain the Gallic Emperor's support, and declared himself emperor. About the same time, Gallienus was murdered, and was succeeded by Claudius II Gothicus, who continued to beseige Mediolanum. Soon, though, it appeared that an agreement was reached, and Aureolus emerged from the city to meet Claudius. Any such concord, however, was simply a ruse, as Aureolus was taken into custody and executed. In NGC encapsulation, graded XF.. EF

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