Quietus AD 260-261. Samosata
Billon Antoninianus

21 mm, 3,96 g

IMP C FVL QVIETVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / APOLLINI CONSERVA, Apollo standing facing, head left, holding branch and lyre set on ground; star in left field.

Very Fine

RIC 3; MIR 1728n.

Titus Fulvius Junius Quietus was a Roman usurper who, in 260, proclaimed himself emperor in the aftermath of the capture and execution of Emperor Valerian by the Sassanids. Quietus, the younger son of the commander Fulvius Macrianus, ascended to power with the support of his father and Ballistas, the Praetorian Prefect of Valerian. Initially, their rule was largely recognized in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, as evidenced by inscriptions and coins. However, by the summer of 261, their authority faced challenges, particularly in Egypt, where coins featuring Gallienus were once again minted. While Quietus and Ballistas remained in the East, Macrianus Minor and Fulvius Macrianus ventured westward with their army to secure control over the Roman Empire. After the defeat and death of the latter two in Thrace in 261, Quietus' reign became increasingly precarious. Residing in Emesa with Ballistas, Quietus met his demise, likely at the hands of an enraged local population, while Ballistas was killed by Septimius Odaenathus of Palmyra.