© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Aurelianus ORIENS AVG; Sol
| Silver | 3.9 g | 23 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 | 3.9 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#290958 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, walking left between two captives, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
ORIENS AVG
-/-//PM
Translation:
Oriens Augusti.
The rising sun of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Mass varies: 2.98–4.89 g;Diameter varies: 22–23.5 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was issued during the reign of Emperor Aurelianus (270-275 AD), who was known for his military campaigns and his efforts to reform the Roman Empire's currency. The coin's design features the image of the sun god Sol on the reverse, which was a common motif during Aurelianus' reign. The use of the sun symbolized the emperor's role as the bringer of light and order to the empire. Additionally, the coin's silver content was a significant departure from the previous bronze coins, signifying a return to the use of precious metals in Roman currency. This change in currency composition was a deliberate choice by Aurelianus to promote economic stability and to combat inflation.
