Volusian. AD 251-253. AV Binio (23mm, 5.39 g, 6h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. 4th emission, early AD 253. EF.

Triton XXVI
Lot: 815. Estimated: $ 20 000

Roman Imperial, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 18 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Volusian. AD 251-253. AV Binio (23mm, 5.39 g, 6h). Rome mint, 3rd officina. 4th emission, early AD 253. IMP CAE C VIB VOLVSIANO AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PIETAS AVGG, Pietas, veiled, standing left, raising both hands; lighted and garlanded altar to left. RIC IV 151 (same dies as illustration); Calicó 3365 (same dies as illustration); Biaggi –. Lustrous, scratches in fields. EF. Rare.

Ex Numismatica Genevensis SA 13 (15 November 2021), lot 70; Numismatica Ars Classica 100 (29 May 2017), lot 578; Triton VII (12 January 2004), lot 1020.

Double aurei or biniones, distinguished by a radiate crown, were first introduced by Caracalla as part of the extensive monetary reform in AD 215. At that time, the weight standard of the aureus was reduced to about 6.54 g at 50 to the pound. Within a two decades, the weight of the aureus had dropped precipitously as the supply of precious metal diminished and inflation took hold. Although struck on a broad flan and superficially impressive, this binio of Volusian, struck early AD 253, weighs only 5.39 grams, far less than a single aureus under Caracalla. Such sleight-of-hand could not have gone unnoticed by the primary recipients of these coins, the soldiers, who by this time were quite willing to switch loyalty to whomever promised to pay them the most.

The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.

Triton XXVI – Session Three – Lots 674-990 will be held Wednesday morning, 11 January 2023 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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