Aureus - Aurelianus VICTORIA AVG; Victory
| Gold | - | - |
| 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 |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#290982 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, walking right, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VICTORIA AVG
Translation:
Victoria Augusti.
Victory of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus coin of Aurelianus (270-275 AD) is that it features the first recorded use of the Christian cross on a Roman coin. The cross is depicted on the reverse side of the coin, surrounded by the words "VICTORIA AVG" meaning "Victory of the Emperor." This suggests that Aurelianus, who was known for his military campaigns against the Persians and his efforts to restore the Roman Empire, may have been sympathetic to Christianity, which was still a relatively new religion at the time. This coin provides a unique insight into the early history of Christianity and its influence on Roman culture.