Sale: CNG 79, Lot: 1195. Estimate $5000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 17 September 2008.  Sold For $9200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Regalianus. Usurper, AD 260. AR Antoninianus (3.10 g, 7h). Carnuntum mint. Radiate and draped bust right / Libertas standing left, holding pileus and scepter. RIC V 6 var. (rev. legend); MIR 43, 1712a (same dies as illustration); RSC 3 var. (same). VF, toned, light porosity. Overstruck on a denarius of Septimius Severus, probably RIC IV 86.

From the Gordon S. Parry Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 40 (with Numismatica Ars Classica, 4 December 1996), lot 1672.

Following the capture of Valerian I by the Sasanians, a number of usurpers appeared throughout the empire, mostly accomplished generals who were acclaimed by their own troops. Although Regalianus’ exact history is unclear (and contradictory in the sources), he was likely a Roman general who had been sent to deal with the barbarians (probably the Marcomanni) who were conducting raids through Pannonia at the time. Some of the sources suggest that Regalianus was a supporter of the usurper Ingenuus, and continued Ingenuus’ revolt following the latter’s death. In any event, Regalianus’ reign was very short, and he was probably put to death by his own troops.

All of Regalianus’ coinage has been attributed to a mint in Carnuntum, and was obviously struck in great haste, as evidenced by the crude style of the coins and the fact that they are all overstruck. The present example is overstruck on a denarius of Septimius Severus. On the obverse, the top of Septimius’ laureate head can be seen above the portrait of Regalianus, and part of the legend AVG IMP can be seen around the edge. On the reverse, the lower part of Victory advancing left is visible, along with the partial legend [CO]S II P P.