Aureus - Aurelianus (VIRTVS AVGVSTI; Mars) (270-275) front Aureus - Aurelianus (VIRTVS AVGVSTI; Mars) (270-275) back
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Aureus - Aurelianus VIRTVS AVGVSTI; Mars

 
Gold - -
Description
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
References
Numista
N#290906
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: VIRTVS AVGVSTI

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 the highest denomination coin in the Roman Empire and was worth 25 silver denarii. That's equivalent to about $1,500 in today's money!