TYPE Roman Empire, Vabalathus (271-2 AD), bronze antoninianus DESCRIPTION . Obv: Radiate bust of Vabalathus to right, legend VABALATHVS VC R IM D R Rev: Radiate bust of Aurelian to right, legend IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG REFERENCE: SR 3292 GRADING: AVF, glossy dark green patina w/ slight porous, scarce ORDER INFO: R2283, $60 Scarce issue of the short truce period during which a regional Roman client with rising aspirations, Vabalathus of Palmyra in the East, coexisted well with Aurelian, and was given the illustrious titles of "Vir Clarissimus, Rex, Imperator Dux Romanorum", while recognizing the Emperor's overlordship (obverse legend fully present here). However, the arrangement broke down the following year, and Vabalathus was defeated, though him and his scheming mother Zenobia eventually were surprisingly honorably treated by Aurelian (as evidenced by the gold chains around her during Aurelian's triumphant return to Rome).