Vabalathus

271 - 272

As the power of the kingdom of Palmyra rose, the ruins of which are in what is now Syria, Vabalathus appropriated for himself the title of Augustus. Behind him his mother Zenobia was the mastermind of a series of battles won against various Roman detachments sent to depose this usurper. Aurelian finally took command of the situation and feigned a truce while launching a concerted attack against Egypt which was under Palmyra's control. When Egypt fell Palmyra lost its valuable trade routes and it was then a simple matter to regain control of the Syrian province. Both Vabalathus and Zenobia were captured and taken back to Rome but it's not recorded whether they were executed.

AE Antoninianus

RIC 1, C 1 Antoninianus Obv: IMCVHABALATHVSAVG - Radiate, draped bust right.
Rev: AEQVITASAVG - Aequitas standing left, holding scale and cornucopia.

RIC 4, C 3 Antoninianus Obv: IMCVHABALATHVSAVG - Radiate, draped bust right.
Rev: IVENVSAVG - Hercules standing right, resting hand on club and holding apples; star in left field.

RIC 6, C 6 Antoninianus Obv: IMCVHABALATHVSAVG - Radiate, draped bust right.
Rev: VIRTVSAVG - Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm; star in left field. [RIC 8 lists for Virtus facing left].

RIC 8v Antoninianus Obv: IMCVHABALATHVSAVG - Radiate, draped bust right.
Rev: VIRTVSAVG - Virtus standing right, holding spear and shield; star in right field. [RIC 8 lists for Virtus facing left].

RIC 381 (Aurelian), C 1 Antoninianus Obv: VABALATHVSVCRIMDR - Vabalathus laureate bust right.
Rev: IMPCAVRELIANVSAVG - Aurelian radiate, cuirassed bust right. $81 2/1/04.