In 269 AD, exactly two centuries after the civil war caused by the death of Nero, there was another « year of the four Emperors » 800 miles north of Rome. After Postumus, Laelianus and Marius were killed by or with the help of the troops , Victorinus took the power. Wisely, one of the first type he struck on his coinage was the FIDES MILITVM one; he was affirming (and probably hoping) that the army would be loyal and united under the new Emperor… FIDES MILITVM first issue from Trier with the long legend (IMP CM PIAVVONIVS VICTORINVS PF AVG) 18mm 2.35g FIDES MILITVM 2nd Issue from Trier with the short legend (IMP C PIAV VICTORINVS PF AVG). 19 mm 3.2g One of my passion in numismatic is trying to find die-matches with the pieces I own. It’s quite difficult with the coinage of the Gallic rulers since so many dies were used in that period of time. Another interest I have is gathering interesting local imitations of the official types. But is it possible to find die-matches of these irregular Roman coins ? I thought it was almost impossible since I found this specimen for sale two weeks ago. I remembered a similar reverse in the Cunetio hoard, and after comparing the two examples, I’m pretty sure the reverse is a match. FIDES MILITVM contemporary imitations are not common at all. What’s intriguing about my last purchase is the obverse which almost look official, but clearly the reverse is crude like all third century’s imitations from the Gallic rulers. Please tell me if you think it’s a die match, and show me your FIDES MILITVM coins ! My new baby, 18mm 2.39g The coin from the Cunetio hoard (2953:2) Sorry for the picture ! Ans side by side for an easiest comparison.
Looks like a match to me, nice find! Here's my Victorinus FIDES MILITVM coin. It's not a pretty coin but may be a reverse match to your second coin.
Lovely coins. My PIAVVONIVS doesn't seem to be a die match but my PIAV seems to be a reverse die match....
Agree it's a reverse die match. Here's a FIDES MILITVM Victorinus with the PIAV legend. Victorinus, AD 269-271. Roman billon antoninianus, 2.63 g, 20.1 mm. Cologne (though CNG attributes this coin to Treveri), AD 269/70. Obv: IMP C PIAV VICTORINVS PF AVG, radiate, draped bust, r. Rev: FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing l., holding two standards. RIC-109; Cohen-36; AGK-5b; De Witte pl. XXVI, 22; Sear-unlisted.
