Aureus - Aurelianus VIRTVS AVG; Mars
| 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#290987 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVG
Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Aureus coin was used as a means of payment for Roman soldiers, and it was also used to pay taxes. It was made of gold, which was a valuable and coveted metal at the time. In fact, the Aureus coin was so valuable that it was often used as a form of bribery or payment for political favors. The coin's value was so high that it was equivalent to 25 silver denarii, which was a significant amount of money at the time. The Aureus coin was also used to promote the Roman Empire's ideals and values. The coin's design featured images of Roman gods and goddesses, as well as symbols of the Roman state, such as the eagle and the she-wolf. The coin's inscriptions also promoted the idea of Roman power and dominance, with phrases such as "VIRTVS AVG" (the virtue of the emperor) and "MARS" (the god of war). Overall, the Aureus coin was an important symbol of Roman wealth and power, and it played a significant role in the Roman Empire's economy and society.
