Uranius Antoninus, Usurper

CNG 94, Lot: 1073. Estimate $2000. Sold for $2750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Uranius Antoninus. Usurper, AD 253-254. Æ (31mm, 23.42 g, 6h). Emesa (Syria) mint. Dated SE 565 (AD 253/4). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Temple of El–Gabal at Emesa, seen in perspective; crescent in pediment, ЄΞΦ (date) in exergue. Baldus 30-33 (OI/RI); R. Delbrueck, “Uranius of Emesa,” NC 1948, Series I, 1. VF, earthen green patina. Rare.

From the Hansen Collection. Ex Numismatic Ars Classica 59 (4 April 2011), lot 1123.

Uranius Antoninus is unknown from the ancient literary sources, although Zosimus perhaps confuses this usurper with two usurpers he names as Uranius and Antoninus during the reign of Severus Alexander. He established his government at Emesa, probably in response to repeated Persian attacks rather than as a challenge to Rome. In any event, it appears he was finally subdued when Valerian marched to recover the East.