© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
Antoninianus - Aurelianus GENIVS ILLV; Genius
| Silver | 3.2 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Aurelian (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus) (270-275) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 270-275 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.2 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#290918 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Genius, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; to right, ensign.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
GENIVS ILLV
-/-//-
Translation:
Genius Illyriciani.
To the genius of [the army in] Illyria.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.06–3.4 g;Diameter varies: 20–21.85 mm;
Example of this type:
Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was issued during the reign of Emperor Aurelianus (270-275 AD) and features an image of the Roman goddess Genius on the reverse side. The Genius of the Roman people was a personification of the spirit of Rome and was often depicted as a bearded man holding a scepter and a patera, which was a ritual vessel used for libations. The image of Genius on this coin is particularly interesting because it represents the idea of Roman genius and the power of the Roman state, which was a central theme in Aurelianus' reign. Aurelianus was known for his military campaigns and his efforts to restore the power and prestige of the Roman Empire, which had been weakened by internal conflicts and external threats. The coin's image of Genius can be seen as a symbol of the Roman Empire's strength and resilience during this time.
