Pupienus, 238 AD, silver Antoninianus, Rome

Pupienus (238 AD), silver Antoninianus, Rome, circa April-June 238 AD, IMP CAES PVPIEN MAXIMVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Pupienus to right, rev. CARITAS MVTVA AVGG Clasped right hands, 4.25 g, 6h (BMC 87. Cohen 3. RIC 10b). An attractive example, struck on a broad flan and with an excellent high relief portrait, extremely fine.

During the chaotic Year of the Six Emperors in 238 AD, the Roman Senate took the desperate step of electing two co-emperors at once Pupienus and Balbinus. To project a united front to the public and the military, their mints issued coins featuring clasped hands with the inscription Caritas Mutua AVGG, symbolizing the "mutual affection of the emperors". In reality, this propaganda could not have been further from the truth. The joint reign was plagued by bitter rivalry and mutual paranoia. Coming from elite aristocratic backgrounds, both men deeply resented sharing supreme power and each secretly plotted to outsmart the other. Their brief, three-month rule was defined by constant friction rather than cooperation. This toxic distrust ultimately paved the way for their violent downfall. When the powerful Praetorian Guard who deeply despised the Senate appointed emperors stormed the imperial palace during a festival, the co-emperors' alliance completely shattered. According to historical accounts, as the assassins closed in, Pupienus and Balbinus turned on each other in panic. Paralyzed by suspicion, Balbinus refused to let Pupienus summon loyal foreign bodyguards for protection, convinced it was merely a trick for Pupienus to seize sole control. While the two elderly rulers stood paralyzed and bickering, the guards breached their chambers. Dragged from the palace naked, tortured, and humiliated, neither man found any solidarity in their final moments proving that the "mutual affection" advertised on their coinage was nothing more than an ironic fiction.

The obverse legend IMP CAES PVPIEN MAXIMVS AVG translates to "Imperator Caesar Pupienus Maximus Augustus."

The reverse legend CARITAS MVTVA AVGG translates to "The mutual affection of the emperors."