LIBERALITAS AVGVSTORVM


Reference : AYC #25, RIC 14
Weight: 21.23 grs
Metal: Bronze
Diameter: 30.00 mm
Scarcity: Very rare
Type:

Obverse

Reverse

IMP CAES M CLOD PVPIENVS AVG

Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Pupienus right, seen from three quarters back. 

LIBERALITAS AVGVSTORVM / S – C

Liberalitas standing left, holding an abacus with the right hand and a cornucopia with the left hand.

Photo of a coin sold the 25/03/2018 by Nomos AG, Obolos Web Auction 9, lot 397, link to the sale: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=4854409, link to their website: https://nomosag.com/.

A coin sold and reported by Classical Numismatic Group: an overstrike of type LIBERALITAS AVGVSTORVM (AYC #25, RIC 14) over type P M TR P COS II P P (AYC #26, RIC 15).We see I P P at the end of legend, as a remnant of the ancient legend. The drapery of the Genius of the Senate with the short scepter are visible under Liberalitas. Here is the coin: 

Photo of a coin sold the 19/09/2001 by Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 58, lot 1280, link to the sale: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=87465, link to their website: https://www.cngcoins.com/.

 

I observe that on most of Pupienus' coins the cuirass is almost invisible and the shoulder appears smooth. Although I have listed a variant with a non-cuirassed bust for other emperors from the same period, this bust of Pupienus seems to be cuirassed. We see streaks indicating a cuirass in the lower shoulder or at least an irregular lower shoulder showing a desire to display a cuirass. Here is an example:

 On this photo the streaks are visible at the bottom of the shoulder. 

However, we cannot exclude that only draped busts exist. So far, I haven't noticed an example where the shoulder is undoubtedly smooth.