Numerian
283 - 284 A.D.
Son of Carus and brother of Carinus, Numerian's brief stint as emperor started when he along with his father set out for war against the Sassanians in Persia (Iran). Under mysterious circumstances Carus was incinerated in his tent just prior to the military encounter of the two armies. The official explanation was that the tent had been stricken by lightning but this has been interpreted as much too convenient. As the battle was called off and the army was returning Numerian, too, was found dead in his quarters. This time a hasty investigation was started and the Praetorian Prefect, a certain Aper, was killed on the spot by Diocletian who then usurped the throne away from Carinus. With the suspicious death of Numerian the report of Carus's death made for a more compelling story that the Prefect had had a hand in their deaths. It is likely that Diocletian had engineered a sophisticated conspiracy using Aper as the central pawn and then scapegoat.
AE Antoninianus
RIC 195 AE Antoninianus Obv: IMPNVMERIANVSAVG. Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right.
Rev: ORIENSAVGG. Sol walking left, right hand raised, left holding whip. Lot sold for $22 11/7/01.
RIC 355v, Cohen 40 AE Antoninianus Obv: MAVRNVMERIANVSNOBC, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: ORIENSAVGG, radiate and draped bust of Sol right.
RIC 360, Cohen 66 AE Antoninianus Obv: MAVRNVMERIANVSC - Radiate bust right, draped and cuirassed.
Rev: PRINCIPIIVVENT - Numerian standing left, holding wand over globe and scepter.
RIC 366, Cohen 69 AE Antoninianus Obv: MAVRNVMERIANVSNOBC. Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: PRINCIPIIVVENTVT. Prince standing left holding baton and scepter.
RIC 377, Cohen 107 AE Antoninianus Obv: MAVRNVMERIANSVSNOBC - Radiate bust right, draped.
Rev: VIRTVSAVGG Exe: Γ/XXI - Jupiter and Numerian facing. Jupiter presents Victory on a globe.
RIC 394, Cohen 49 AE Antoninianus Obv: Obv: IMPCNVMERIANVSAVG; Bust radiate cuirassed left, holding spear over shoulder and shield, Medusa head on shield.
Rev: PAXAVG; Pax standing left.
RIC 413, Cohen 54 AE Antoninianus Obv: IMPNVMERIANVSAVG - Radiate bust right, draped.
Rev: PIETASAVGG - Mercury standing left, holding purse and caduceus.
RIC 447c, Cohen 81 AE Antoninianus Obv: IMPNVMERIANVSPFAVG; Radiate, draped bust right.
Rev: PROVIDENTAVGG; Annona standing left, holding moedius and sowing seeds. Lot sold for $20 11/2/01.
