Quintillus, July – September 270
Aureus, Mediolanum 270, AV 5.33 g. IMP C M AVR QVI – NTILLVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. FIDES EXERCITI Fides standing l., holding standard in each hand. C 10 var. (laureate and draped bust). RIC 1 var. (laureate and draped bust). RIC Online temp. 1099.1 (this coin). H. Huvelin and J. Lafuarie, RN 1980, pl. 5, 54 (these dies). Calicó 3968 (these dies). Very rare and in unusually fine condition for this difficult issue. A spectacular portrait in the finest style of the period perfectly centred. Minor marks, otherwise extremely fine

Ex NAC 23, 2002, 1642; Gemini 1, 2005, 435 and Stack’s 14 January 2022, 3150 sales. From the Dr. Michael Rogers collection.

Graded Ch XF Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5, NCG certification number 6290632-013

From the mid-250s through to the early 270s A.D., the fortunes of Rome were in steep decline, and coinage reflected the suffering in other realms of life. Gold coinage became rare and infrequently issued, silver was replaced with low-grade billon that was hastily struck with poor quality dies, and the once-voluminous bronze coinage was essentially discontinued. However, within this period of relentless decline there were occasional moments of brilliance. With coinage, one instance is an issue of aurei produced at Milan for Quintillus on his accession late in 270. The portrait is a sublime work of art, so well sculpted and sympathetic that it would seem better placed in an earlier age. The artist achieved a rare balance, projecting constancy, yet capturing the underlying tension and uneasiness of the age. Few portraits from this era truly compare, though we may note some stand-outs: aurei showing the portrait of Gallienus wearing a lion's scalp, select portraits of the Romano-Gallic Empire (notably the facing-portrait aurei of Postumus), and the eight-aureus medallions of Quintillus' brother, Claudius II. Not long after this inspired die was cut, the fate of Quintillus was sealed by the army stationed in northern Italy, which paid no heed to the fact that he had been confirmed by the senate. The legions who had served under Claudius II during his great war against the Goths had thrown their support behind their new commander, Aurelian, who had led the cavalry under Claudius II and was now finishing the campaign by driving the remaining Goths across the Danube. The Italian legions, which did not welcome a civil war, especially with the seasoned legions of Pannonia soon made their decision. After a reign of perhaps two or three months, Quintillus, undoubtedly aware of the fate that awaited, committed suicide in October or November, 270 rather than face execution at the hands of his soldiers.