Lot 4199
Hostilian, as Caesar, AD 250-251. Gold Aureus (3.8g) minted at Rome. C VALENS HOSTIL MES QVINTVS N C. Bare-headed and draped bust right of Hostilian. Reverse: PRINCIPI IVVE - NTVTIS. Hostilian in military attire standing left, holding standard in right hand, spear in left. Sear 9550; Calicó 3316; RIC 181b. Wonderful delicate portraiture. Very rare. Lustrous. Superb Extremely Fine.
Gaius Valens Hostilianus Messius Quintus was the younger son of Trajan Decius and Herennia Etruscilla. He was raised to the rank of Caesar at the end of AD 250 and was left as the only surviving male representative of the imperial family when his father and elder brother were killed in battle against the Goths. Because he was only about twelve years of age, there was no possibility that he could take control of the state in a situation of military emergency. However, the choice of the army to be the next emperor, Trebonianus Gallus, allowed Hostilian to retain his imperial power and even elevated him to the rank of Augustus and co-emperor. Just a few months later the unfortunate boy fell victim to the plague that was ravaging the Empire, and his place as co-emperor was taken by Gallus' own son Volusian.
Hostilian's gold coinage is very rare, and this specimen is an exceptionally fine example. The reverse depicts him as "Leader of the Youth," a title regularly bestowed on the heir to the throne.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
The Hunter Collection.
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| Realized $63,250 |
