Denarius - Aurelianus VIRTVS AVG; Hercules
| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Aurelian (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus) (270-275) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 270-275 |
| Value | Denarius (½) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#290882 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hercules, standing right, resting right hand on hip and leaning on club with lion-skin draped over left arm.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVG
Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius - Aurelianus coin features an image of the Roman god Hercules on the reverse side, which is unusual for a Roman coin. Hercules was not typically depicted on Roman coins, and his appearance on this coin may indicate that the emperor Aurelianus, who ruled from 270 to 275 AD, had a particular interest in the god or wanted to associate himself with Hercules' legendary strength and bravery. This coin may have been minted to commemorate a military victory or to promote the emperor's image as a strong and powerful leader.
