AD 235-253 Silver Roman Age Of Chaos 6-pc Set

More Than 17 Centuries Old! Roman Age Of Chaos Six-Piece Silver Set

This six-coin set of silver coins dates from A.D. 235-253 and tells the story of "The Age of Chaos," also known as the Crisis of the Third Century, tells a compelling story of how the all-powerful Roman Empire fell into ruins. Between 235 and 284, Roman emperors remained in power for very short periods of time compared with earlier leaders. Many didn't even make it through a whole year before being removed from power by one means or another. These short terms damaged the empire greatly. Instability impacted almost every aspect of Roman life, and the sprawling empire was difficult to defend on many fronts.

An Empire's Political Crisis Reflected In Its Coins

During this time, the silver content of Roman coinage fell off a cliff. These six coins track the progress of coin debasement, beginning with the coin of Maximinus I (containing approximately 60% silver) and finishing with Trebonianus Gallus (containing less than 20% silver). The other four coins in the set are a Gordian III, a Philip I, a Philip II, and a Trajan Decius, each of which has a silver content of between 20% and 60%.

The Crisis Of The Third Century

The Crisis began in 235 when the Emperor Alexander Severus was set upon by his own troops, who replaced him with Maximinus I. By the time Gordian III assumed the throne in 238, at the ripe old age of 13, there had already been five rulers after Alexander Severus. The youthful, good-natured Gordian managed to survive for six years, among the longest reigns of any emperor during the Crisis, before being killed. His successor Philip I attempted to solidify his position by naming his son Philip II as co-Caesar, but their reign lasted just five years. Trajan Decius, who defeated the two Philips in 249, was dead two years later. Trebonianus Gallus attempted to restore peace to the Empire, ending the wars with the Goths, but he too was killed by his own men after just two years on the throne.

Each coin is encased in a round capsule and the entire set is beautifully displayed in an elegant wooden box and accompanied by a fact-filled story card, and a Certificate of Authenticity. Availability is limited, so secure yours now!