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The year 238 AD was particularly hazardous for Roman Emperors. It began with Maximinus Thrax wearing the purple. Maximinus focused on battling Rome’s enemies and kept his troops contented, i.e., well paid, even if at the consequence of increased taxation. Not surprisingly, the Maximinus’ oppressive policies were not well received, particular among Rome’s elite who had the most to lose. The situation led to a revolt in the Africa province, during which Gordian I, and his son Gordian II, were proclaimed co-Augusti. The Senate confirmed the appointments. Begging to differ, however, the incumbent Augustus collected his troops from the eastern front and marched to Rome.
Within weeks, the African rebellion was quashed and the Gordiani were dead. Maximinus still marched towards Rome, presumably to punish the Senate who had betrayed him. To organize a defense, twenty leading Senators formed a committee. Among this group, two were chosen and confirmed as the next co-Augusti: Pupienus and Balbinus (died 238 AD). Why these two particular men (both at least in their late sixties) earned the throne is not certain, although both had extensive leadership experience. Perhaps the duo actively sought power, or perhaps they drew short straws. After all, being Emperor was risky business, as evidenced by the Gordiani.
Prior to his ascension, Balbinus was already an established politician, having previously held numerous high offices, including two times as consul, one of which he shared with Augustus Caracalla. He was reportedly a great orator and poet. Even so, Balbinus and Pupienus were not particularly well received as Rome’s newest rulers. To improve their image and promote calm, Balbinus and Pupienus named Gordian I’s young grandson as heir (Caesar). Having nominated the young Gordian III, the reign of Balbinus and Pupienus might now be viewed more favorably, in the context of a guardianship. More importantly, with the Gordian’s family wealth added to the imperial coffers, the co-Augusti distributed a cash bonus to the Roman population.
None of this mattered to Maximinus, who kept coming the Senate’s way. Balbinus was deemed more suited to stay and focus governing in Rome, while Pupienus marched out to meet Maximinus. The atmosphere in Rome was tense, and Balbinus had a rough time of it, with riots and fires erupting within the city. The situation improved when Pupienus returned with news that Maximinus was eliminated, the third Augusti slain in 238 AD.
Like any Emperors trying to drum up support, Balbinus and Pupienus produced coins to advertise their status and promote their accomplishments. Since their reign was very short lived - a mere three months – coins for these two Augusti are rather scarce. The current coin is an example Balbinus denarius. The obverse is an artistic depiction of Balbinus as Augustus (earning a Fine Style designation by NGC Ancients), in traditional laureate, draped, and cuirassed style. On the reverse stands Victory, holding a wreath and a palm branch, with the epithet VICTORIA AVGG (note the double G to indicate there were two co-Augusti). The victory advertised here presumably is the one over Maximinus.
For a (very short) while, things remained calm in Rome as everyone soaked in this victory. However, Balbinus felt threatened by his colleague’s success, not to mention his new, burly bodyguards. The latter, mostly soldiers of the German legions previously loyal to Maximinus, also provoked the Praetorian Guard, who viewed them as a threat to their traditional role as the Emperor’s protectorate. Indeed, Pupienus made the case that the new bodyguards should be employed more widely as a precaution against the Praetorians. Balbinus resisted, suspicious of his co-Augustus’ designs to have him disposed. While the two were arguing, the praetorians stormed their meeting, seized the pair, and executed them before anyone could come to their aid. The deed marked a new and inglorious record of five Emperors slain within a year, as Gordian III became the sixth person to rule the Roman Empire in 238 AD.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Balbinus, 238 AD, AR Denarius (21 mm, 3.6 g), NGC Grade: Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style, Obverse: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, Victory standing facing, holding her wreath and palm branch, VICTORIA AVGG, References: RIC 8; RSC 27; BMC 37.