Triassarion - Pupienus and Balbinus ΠΡΥΜΝΗCCΕΩΝ

Historical Context: This Triassarion from Prymnessus, issued under Pupienus and Balbinus, firmly dates to the tumultuous year 238 AD, often termed the "Year of the Six Emperors." Prymnessus, a city in Phrygia, Asia Minor, demonstrated its allegiance to the Senate-appointed co-emperors during their brief, fraught reign, which was a direct challenge to Maximinus Thrax. The issuance of local bronze coinage, like this 6-gram Triassarion, underscores the continued economic autonomy and administrative capacity of provincial cities even amidst profound imperial instability, rapidly disseminating imperial legitimacy to the periphery.

Artistry: The artistic style of this Triassarion is characteristic of provincial Roman issues from Asia Minor during the early 3rd century. While no specific engraver signatures are known for Prymnessus, the dies were cut by local artisans, whose work often reflects a robust, sometimes simplified, interpretation of official imperial portraiture. The obverse typically features jugate or confronted busts of Pupienus and Balbinus, rendered with varying degrees of fidelity to their actual likenesses. The reverse device, often a local deity or civic symbol, adheres to established Greek iconographic traditions.

Technical/Grading: For this specific Triassarion type, critical points for grading include the clarity and definition of the conjoined or confronted imperial busts on the obverse, particularly the distinct facial features, hair, and the full rendering of the Greek imperial titles. On the reverse, the integrity of the central device and the complete, legible presentation of the city's ethnic, ΠΡΥΜΝΗCCΕΩΝ, are paramount. A well-centered strike, absence of significant flan cracks or defects, and minimal wear on the highest points of the relief—such as the emperors' noses or the reverse deity's head—are highly desirable attributes for this provincial bronze issue.