Aureus - Aurelianus GENIVS ILLVR; Genius
| Gold | 6 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Aurelian (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus) (270-275) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 270-275 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 6 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#290978 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Genius, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; behind, ensign.
Script: Latin
Lettering: GENIVS ILLVR
Translation:
Genius Illyriciani.
To the genius of [the army in] Illyria.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus coin is that it was used as a means of propaganda by the Roman Empire. The coin's design features an image of the Roman goddess Victory holding a wreath and a palm branch, symbolizing the empire's military victories and power. The coin's reverse side features an image of the emperor Aurelianus, who ruled from 270 to 275 AD, and his title "GENIVS ILLVR," which translates to "Genius of the Roman People." This design was meant to promote the idea that Aurelianus was a powerful and divinely appointed leader, and that the Roman Empire was a dominant and prosperous force.
