Pacatian, usurper, circa 248-249. Antoninianus (Silver, 22 mm, 4.68 g, 7 h), Viminacium. IMP TI CL MAR PACATIANVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Pacatian to right, seen from behind. Rev. [PAX] AETERNA Pax standing front, head to left, holding olive branch in her right hand and transverse scepter in her left. Cohen -, cf. 6 (differing obverse legend). Pegan pl. VI, IV B 4 (same dies). RIC 5. Very rare. Well centered and free from the porosity that so often plagues this series. Some areas of weakness and with tiny marks on the obverse, otherwise, good very fine.


Coin finds and stylistic comparison to the local Aes coinage indicate that the main base of Pacatian, a general who revolted against Philip I in 248-249, was the important legionary fortress of Viminacium in Moesia Superior. Pacatian's coinage is notable not just for its rarity but also for including one of just two known Roman coin types to be dated after the legendary foundation of the city of Rome in 753 BC (RIC 6: ROMAE AETER AN MIL ET PRIMO = 'year 1001' = 248/9). However, the usurper was killed by his own troops before Philip's general Decius appeared on the scene, who then stirred up his own rebellion and eventually succeeded to the throne after defeating Philip I in battle in 249.