AR Antoninianus, A.D. 253, Rome, 21mm, 4.81g, 180°, RIC IViii 2b, rare.
Obv: IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, Radiate, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Rev: DIANAE VICTRI. Diana standing left, holding bow and arrow.
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Marcus Aemilius Aemilianus Augustus was Roman Emperor for three months in 253. During the reign of Trebonianus Gallus and his son Volusian, Aemilian was sent to the Balkans to command an army along the Danube frontier, which had been subject to several attacks by the Goths led by king Cniva.

In 253 the Cniva crossed the border, attacking Cappadocia, Pessinus, and Ephesus. The recent defeat at the battle of Abrittus put Aemelians troops on edge, but Aemilian rallied them, reminding them of Roman honour and promising tribute from the Goths. The Romans took the Goths by surprise, killing most of them, followed by an invasion of their territory which resulted in booty and the liberation of prisoners. The Roman soldiers, elated by victory, proclaimed Aemilian Emperor and they began a march upon Rome. Trebonianus Gallus and Volusian had him proclaimed an enemy of the state by the Senate, then left Rome to meet the usurper. The two armies met at Interamna Nahars (modern Terni), and Aemilian won the battle; Gallus and Volusianus fled with few followers but were later killed by some of their own guards.

Aemilian moved towards Rome and the Roman senate decided to recognize him as emperor. However, Valerian, the governor of the Rhine provinces, was on his way south with an army, which may have been called in as a reinforcement by Gallus or may have simply been mobilized in a bid for power after Gallus' death. Aemilian's army, fearful of Valerian's larger force, mutinied. Aemilian was killed at Spoletium and his forces recognized Valerian as emperor.