Numerian, 283 – 284
Aureus 284, AV 5.16 g. IMP NVMERIANVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. VENE – RI VICTRICI Venus standing facing, head l., holding Victory and apple. C 93 var. (not draped). RIC 405. Calicó 4321 (these dies). Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, undoubtedly among the finest specimens known. Struck on an exceptionally large flan and with a superb light reddish tone. Virtually as struck and almost Fdc When Numerian's father Carus died under mysterious circumstances near the river Tigris, the great offensive father and son had been leading against the Sasanians ground to a halt. Ancient sources tell us Carus died from a lightning strike, but modern historians are sceptical: most believe he was murdered by his prefect Aper. Until that point the campaign had been a great success, as father and son had not only defeated the Quadi and Sarmatians on their eastward trek, but in 283 they had sacked Ctesiphon. The 30-year-old Numerian might have been competent, but he was now in an awkward position, surrounded by ambitious subordinates and an army paralyzed by superstition. Whether he was startled by his father's mysterious death, uncomfortable with supreme authority, or if he wisely reacted to a change in military circumstances, Numerian made a quick and unfavorable peace with the Persian king Varhan II and led the bulk of his army on a westward retreat. On that arduous journey to meet his brother, Carinus, who was ruling in the West, Numerian died – again under mysterious circumstances. This is a familiar tale of the late third century, and it is only of historical interest because one of his commanders Diocles, better known as Diocletian, was elected emperor in his place. As a consequence, the Roman world was to be completely reordered and stabilized, ushering in the foundations of the social and political institutions of the Dark Ages and the Medieval world.

Graded Ch AU Strike 5/5 Surface 4/5, NGC certification number 6159320-016.