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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Pupienus 4

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Pupienus 4. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Pupienus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Pupienus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C 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.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
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

Pupienus, recorded in full as Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus, served as Roman emperor alongside Balbinus for 99 days in 238, during the Year of the Six Emperors. Although most contemporary texts refer to him by his cognomen Maximus rather than Pupienus, surviving records for this brief period remain scant.

This silver denarius was struck at the mint of Rome under Pupienus's authority. The denomination served as the standard Roman silver coin from its introduction during the Second Punic War until the subsequent reign of Gordian III. The coin features the obverse legend "IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG" paired with a reverse depicting Pax seated with a branch and sceptre, accompanied by the inscription "PAX PVBLICA".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

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 C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG
Reverse legend
PAX PVBLICA

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Pupienus 4
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
PAX PVBLICA
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

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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