I won this coin here from @Severus Alexander 's giveaway. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/group-lot-goodies-83-x-fun-plus-a-draw.305663/ A nice Antoninianus of the Palmyrene Empire's Vabalathus. Vabalathus (268-272 AD), for and with Aurelianus (270-275 AD). AE silvered Antoninianus (21 mm, 3.75 g), struck in Antioch, (271-272 AD). Obverse. VABALATHVS VCR IM DR, laureate and diademed bust of Vabalathus. Reverse. IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelian; C below. RIC 381.
All four images above have Vabalathus on the obverse. It should be noted that there is some disagreement on this and if you look at a range of images of these types you will see them arranged both ways. Many follow the convention that the emperor should be on the obverse, others state that the officinal mark is normally on the reverse. I don't believe that there is general consensus it.
Nice coin and fantastic giveaway Vabalathus, Antoninianus minted in Antioch, 8th officina, AD 271-272 VABALATHVS V C R IM D R, Draped, laureate and diademed bust of Vabalathus right IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG, Radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelianus right. H at exergue 2.45 gr Ref : Cohen #1, RCV # 11718 Q
It's also possible that there was no agreement or distinction between the two at the time they were minted.
