JOTAPIAN (Usurper, 248-249). Antoninianus. Nicopolis in Seleucia(?).

Obv: IM C M F R IOTAPIANVS A.
Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORIA AVG.
Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond.

RIC 2a.

Extremely rare

Iotapian came from the romanized Middle Eastern aristocracy, and his name recalls that of the Commagenian queens Julia Iotapa, hinting at a possible connection with the royal family of that Hellenistic kingdom, later absorbed into the Roman province of Syria under Vespasian. To strengthen his political image, Iotapian promoted the idea that he descended from Alexander the Great, a claim already used by the kings of Commagene, while some modern scholars instead suggest a link to Emperor Severus Alexander. The political climate was tense: Philip 'the Arab' had recently defeated Germanic and Gothic tribes, but the legions were frustrated by the lack of spoils and by the government’s indifference. In Syria, the emperor’s brother, Julius Priscus, increased taxation and ruled harshly. In this atmosphere of discontent, Iotapian placed himself at the head of the revolt, using both popular resentment and his supposed noble lineage as tools of propaganda. Antioch became the heart of the uprising. The rebellion, however, was short-lived and limited in scope. This is reflected in his coinage: only a few crude antoniniani survive, all bearing the same reverse 'VICTORIA AVG' celebrating the rebels’ victories. At the beginning of Decius’ reign, Iotapian was killed by his own soldiers, the very men who had supported him and seen in him a hope for change. Interestingly, Decius had reportedly foretold to Philip that Iotapian and other usurpers would be slain by their troops, perhaps a sign of political machinations orchestrated by Decius himself, who was becoming one of the most influential figures in the Empire.

Condition: Extremely fine.

Weight: 3.42 g.
Diameter: 23 mm.

Estimate: € 2500.