Balbinus (238 AD–238 AD) — Roman Emperor

Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus was a senator twice consul who was elected co-emperor alongside Pupienus by the Senate in the chaotic year 238. While Pupienus marched against Maximinus, Balbinus remained in Rome managing a severe civil disturbance; supporters of the Gordians rioted and burned much of the city. When Pupienus returned after Maximinus's death, the Praetorian Guard, who despised the Senate's choice, murdered both emperors on the same day.

Balbinus and Pupienus together represent the final failure of purely senatorial power in Roman imperial politics. Their coinage is historically essential for any collection covering the extraordinary Year of the Six Emperors (238 AD). The joint types in particular are highly collectible precisely because they proclaim a harmony that was immediately destroyed.

Key Events

238 AD Elected co-emperor with Pupienus by the senatorial Board of Twenty

238 AD Remained in Rome managing riots by Gordian supporters while Pupienus marched north

238 AD Pupienus returned after Maximinus's death; both prepared for a more permanent settlement

29 July 238 AD Murdered alongside Pupienus by the Praetorian Guard

Coinage

Balbinus's coinage mirrors that of Pupienus in rarity and type range. Both emperors' portraits appear on individual and joint issues. Balbinus's portrait shows a bearded, full-faced elderly senator. The types (PROVIDENTIA DEORVM, FIDES MILITVM, CONCORDIA AVGG) project imperial stability that his brief reign entirely failed to provide.

Denominations

Aureus Denarius Antoninianus Sestertius As

Notable Types

CARITAS MVTVA AVGG (joint type with Pupienus)
PROVIDENTIA DEORVM types
FIDES MILITVM types
CONCORDIA AVGG types

Common Reverses

CARITAS MVTVA AVGG PROVIDENTIA DEORVM FIDES MILITVM CONCORDIA AVGG

Active Mints

Rome

Balbinus

Key Events

Coinage

Related Resources

Further Reading