Antoninianus - Aurelianus GENIVS ILLVR; Genius
| Silver | - | - |
| 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 |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#291248 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Genius, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; to right, ensign.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
GENIVS ILLVR
P/-//-
Translation:
Genius Illyriciani.
To the genius of [the army in] Illyria.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin, which was issued during the reign of Emperor Aurelianus (270-275 AD), was a significant departure from previous Roman coins in terms of its design. It featured a new image of the Roman goddess of genius, Genius, on the reverse side, which replaced the traditional image of the Roman goddess of victory, Victoria. This change in design was a deliberate attempt by Aurelianus to promote the cult of the genius of the Roman people, which he believed was a key factor in the success of the Roman Empire. The coin's design was also meant to emphasize the idea of the Roman Empire as a divine institution, with the genius of the Roman people serving as a symbol of the empire's divine right to rule.