Vabalathus silvered and scarce (AP2314)

Aurelian and Vabalathus silvered Antoninianus
Vabalathus (268-272 AD), for and with Aurelianus (270-275 AD). AE Antoninianus (21 mm, 3.32 g), Antioch, 271/272.
Obv. IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelianus.
Rev. VABALATHVS VCR IM DR, laureate and diademed bust of Vabalathus; H below.
RIC 381.
Almost very fine (verdegris)

There is some debate over how to interpret Vabalathus' title that appears on this issue; suggestions have been Vir Clarissimus Romanorum (or Rex) Imperator Dux Romanorum. Interestingly enough, the coin shows the young king of Palmyra both wearing the hellenistic royal diadem and the imperial laurel wreath.