★ A very rare aureus of Hostilian ★

Hostilian, as Caesar, 250-251. Aureus (Gold, 19 mm, 4.23 g, 7 h), Rome. C VALENS HOSTIL MES QVINTVS N C Bare-headed and draped bust of Hostilian to right, seen from behind. Rev. PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS Hostilian, as prince of the youth, standing front in military attire, head to left, holding baton in his right hand and short transverse spear in his left. Calicó 3318a ( same dies ). Cohen 37. RIC 183b. Very rare. A well-centered example with a charming portrait. Minor traces of mounting, otherwise, very fine.

From the Birger Bentsen Collection of ancient gold coins, ex Leu Web Auction 2, 3 December 2017, 738 (with collector's ticket).