HOSTILIAN AS CAESAR, A.D. 250-251. AV Aureus (4.13 gms), Rome Mint. NGC Ch AU, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 3/5. RIC-181b var. (spear; R3); Calico-3316 (same obv. die as illustration; R1). Obverse: C VALENS HOSTIL MES QVINTVS N C, bareheaded and draped bust right; Reverse: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Hostilian standing left, holding signum and scepter. Struck on a somewhat irregular flan as is often the case for these <strong>RARE </strong>Aurei of Hostilian in his role as Caesar under his father, Trajan Decius, this elegant example exhibits extraordinarily little in the way of handling and retains a tremendous degree of lustrous brilliance. The portrait in particular is quite strong and sets this piece apart from others. From the Dr. Michael Rogers Collection, Part II.<p>Ex: Gemini I (1/2005) Lot # 425.
