The Usurper Uranius Antoninus
Published by Baldus, Prieur Plate Coin

Triton XX, Lot: 463. Estimate $3000. Sold for $5500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Emesa. Uranius Antoninus. Usurper, AD 253-254. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 10.95 g, 12h). AVTOK K COVΛΠ ANTωNINOC CЄB, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / ΔHMAPX Є[Ξ OV]CIAC, eagle standing right, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; [Є]MICA/S C in exergue. Baldus –; Baldus, “Neue Forschungen zu Uranius Antoninus (Nachtrag III),” JNG XXXIII (1983), p. 33, 1, pl. 10, 8 = Prieur 1034 (this coin, illustrated). Good VF, a few deposits. Only three noted by Prieur for this variety.

From the collection of a director. Ex Sternberg VII (24 November 1977), lot 831.

Uranius Antoninus is unknown from the ancient literary sources, although Zosimus perhaps confuses this figure with two usurpers during the reign of Severus Alexander, whom he names “Uranius” and “Antoninus.” Uranius 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.

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