Aemilian AR antoninianus Rome mint

Antoninianus of the Roman Emperor Aemilian, struck in 253 in Rome. Reverse: Hercules standing, leaning on a club and holding a bow.

Pedigree: Stoecklin Collection, Nomos auction 14, lot 422.

Aemilian was a short-lived Roman emperor who reigned for only a few months in 253 AD. Of African origin, he served as governor of Moesia and was proclaimed emperor by his troops after a victory over the Goths. His rule was brief: he was assassinated by his own soldiers while confronting his rival, Emperor Valerian. His reign is a reflection of the political instability that plagued the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century.