The Sullivan Collection
The Sullivan Collection is a curated journey through five centuries of Roman history, told in bronze, silver, and gold. Each coin in the collection is more than currency — it is a portrait, a story, and a milestone of an empire in constant change. From celebrated emperors to usurpers who ruled only briefly, these coins preserve the drama of the ancient world in miniature.Here you are invited to view a small sampling of the collection — coins chosen not only for rarity and condition, but also for the unique stories they tell.
Diadumenian (217–218 A.D.)
Diadumenian, the ill-fated son of Macrinus, was briefly elevated as Caesar during one of Rome’s most turbulent years, 217–218 A.D. His rule was short-lived, ending violently at just nine years old, and his coinage reflects that fleeting moment in history. This extraordinary billon tetradrachm from Aradus is among the rarest issues known (Prieur 1254, only four recorded). Most striking is the absence of the customary ties on his radiate crown, an unusual and enigmatic detail that sets this specimen apart. The reverse, with its eagle clutching a wreath and a bull’s protome beneath, underscores imperial might. A true rarity, almost never encountered.
Hostilian (249–251 A.D.)
Though Hostilian’s reign was brief and overshadowed by plague and dynastic turmoil, this silver antoninianus offers a uniquely human glimpse of the young prince. The portrait shows a rare “smiling” variety, the result of an engraver’s subtle flourish that softens his features and departs from the usual stern imperial visage. Such artistry was not standard practice, making this variant exceptionally scarce and highly desirable to numismatists. The reverse, PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, celebrates Hostilian as “Prince of Youth,” yet the rarity of this smiling bust ensures the coin stands apart as both a historical curiosity and a numismatic prize.
Eugenius (Usurper, 392–394 A.D.)
The short reign of Eugenius (392–394 A.D.) unfolded during one of the empire’s most chaotic chapters, marked by civil war and shifting loyalties. A usurper elevated in the West, his authority was contested from the outset and crushed after the Battle of the Frigidus. Coinage from his reign was struck in modest quantity and rapidly withdrawn after his fall, leaving remarkably few specimens for modern collectors. This diminutive AE4 from Aquileia, with Victory striding left, is exceptionally rare in such condition. Its sharp portrait and preservation offer a fleeting, tangible trace of an emperor nearly erased by history.
Thank you
Thank you for exploring the Sullivan Collection. The coins displayed here will rotate periodically, offering fresh perspectives on Rome’s history with each visit. We welcome opportunities to share the collection through talks at schools and other events, bringing these rare treasures and their stories to new audiences. Our thanks as well to NumisReport, whose expertise has been invaluable in identifying some of the collection’s greatest rarities.