© The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
© The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Aureus - Aurelianus VIRTVS ILLVRICI; Mars
| Gold | 4.3 g | - |
| 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 | 4.3 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#291208 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military attire, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand; at his feet, captive.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS ILLVRICI
Translation:
Virtus Illurici.
The courage of Illyricum.
Comment
Example of this type:The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus coin featuring Aurelianus (VIRTVS ILLVRICI; Mars) is that it was minted during a time of significant economic and military change in the Roman Empire. Aurelianus, also known as Aurelian, was a Roman emperor who ruled from 270 to 275 AD and implemented several reforms to stabilize the empire's economy and military. The coin's design, featuring Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse, may have been a nod to Aurelian's military campaigns and victories during his reign. Additionally, the use of gold for the coin's material would have signified the value and wealth of the Roman Empire at the time.
