Lot 4205
Nigrinian, son of Carinus (died AD 284). Billon Aurelianianus (Antoninianus) (3.40 gm). Minted at Rome, AD 284-285. DIVO NIGRINIANO. Radiate, nude half-length bust of Nigrinian shown from front, head turned to right, right shoulder raised. Reverse: CONSECRATIO. Eagle standing facing, wings spread, head left, KAA in exergue. RIC 472; Sear 12412; Cohen 3. The portrait is of unmatched artistry for the period. Glossy dark brown patina. Very rare. Superb Extremely Fine.
Nigrinian's coins are of considerable rarity, indicating that striking commenced shortly before the downfall of Carinus' regime early in AD 285 and was quickly brought to an abrupt halt. His coinage is limited to gold aurei (which are exceedingly rare) and billon aurelianianni, such as this example. His successor, Diocletian, condemned the memory of Carinus and no doubt revoked the deification of Nigrinian, who thus became a long-lost footnote to Roman history.
This remarkable billon aurelianianus bears a stunning half-length bust of Nigrinian that can only be described as a masterpiece of numismatic portraiture from this troubled era. The youth is shown "heroically nude" and with one shoulder raised, perhaps indicating it was modeled on a statue of Nigrinian in an oratorical pose. This pristine example with the 'heroic bust' is among the most desirable of the surviving examples known.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
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| Realized $6,325 |
