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RIC IV Pupienus 22A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Pupienus 22A. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Pupienus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Pupienus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CAES M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG. The reverse shows pax, draped, seated left, holding branch in extended right hand and sceptre in left hand, with the legend PAX PVBLICA S C.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC IV Pupienus 22B.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus ruled as Roman emperor alongside Balbinus for 99 days in 238, during the Year of the Six Emperors. Historical sources for this period remain scant, leaving limited documentation regarding his reign. Although contemporary texts generally referred to him by his cognomen Maximus, official coinage produced at Rome identified him by his family name Pupienus.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius formed part of the Roman monetary system, in which the denomination functioned as a unit useful for commerce. The obverse presents the emperor with the imperial title recorded in the legend IMP CAES M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG. The reverse design features the personification Pax, depicted draped and seated while holding a branch and sceptre, accompanied by the inscription PAX PVBLICA S C.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Pupienus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Pupienus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Pax, draped, seated left, holding branch in extended right hand and sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP CAES M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG
Reverse legend
PAX PVBLICA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Pupienus 22A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
PAX PVBLICA S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC IV Pupienus 22B

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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