Aemilian, 253. Antoninianus (Silver, 22 mm, 3.76 g, 6 h), Rome. IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Aemilian to right, seen from behind. Rev. ROMAE AETERN Roma standing front, head turned left, holding phoenix on globe in her right hand and transverse scepter with her left. Cohen 41. RIC 9. A lustrous and unusually attractive example with a splendid portrait. The reverse slightly weakly struck, otherwise, extremely fine.


The reverse of this coin is a classic example of Roman propaganda: after years of civil wars, barbarian invasions, and the pain and suffering caused by a devastating plague, it praises the Eternal City and claims that it will rise like a phoenix from the ashes under Aemilian's lead.