Hostilian, as Caesar (AD 250-251). AV aureus (19mm, 3.89 gm, 7h). NGC AU 4/5 - 3/5, edge scuff. Rome, AD 251. C VALENS HOSTIL MES QVINTVS N C, bare headed, draped bust of Hostilian right, seen from behind / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Hostilian, as prince of the youth, standing facing in military attire, head left, baton downward in right hand, short transverse spear in left. RIC IV.III 183b. Calicó 3318a (same dies). Nicely centered on broad flan allowing full borders on both sides. Bright surfaces. Very rare and the first Hostilian aureus we have had the pleasure of offering. Ex Nomisma S.p.a., Auction 60 (28 October 2019), lot 19; George C. Hopkins Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 114, 6 May 2019), lot 801; Gemini, Auction IX (9 January 2012), lot 517; UBS Gold & Numismatics, Auction 50(30 January 2001), lot 3 Trajan Decius and his son, Herennius Etruscus, were slain in the battle of Abrittus against the Goths in June AD 251. Leaving Hostilian the only remaining male survivor of the royal family. The legions in the Danube raised Trebonianus Gallus to Augustus, who in turn elevated Hostilian to co-Augustus. Unfortunately, Hostilian died from the plague the following month as it ravaged Rome and the empire at large.

HID09801242017

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