Aureus - Aurelianus VIRTVS EQVIT
| 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#290908 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Aurelian, walking left, raising right hand and holding sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS EQVIT
Translation:
Virtus Aequitum.
Courage of the cavalry.
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 gave it a high value and made it a symbol of wealth and power. In fact, the Aureus was the highest denomination coin in the Roman Empire and was worth 25 silver denarii. The coin features an image of the Roman Emperor Aurelian, who ruled from 270 to 275 AD, on one side, and the goddess Victory holding a trophy on the other. The inscription "VIRTVS EQVIT" means "the virtue of the equites," which refers to the equestrian order, a social class of wealthy and influential Romans. Overall, the Aureus coin is a fascinating piece of history that gives us a glimpse into the economic and social structures of ancient Rome.
