© Cristiano Becker
© Cristiano Becker
Tetradrachm - Aurelianus
| Billon | 9.6 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Alexandria (Egypt) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Aurelian (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus) (270-275) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 272-273 |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 9.6 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#401480 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Eagle standing right, head reverted, wreath in beak
Interesting fact
The Tetradrachm - Aurelianus (272-273) from Alexandria (Egypt) made of Billon weighing 9.6 g features an image of the Roman Emperor Aurelian on one side and a representation of the goddess Isis on the other. This coin was minted during a time when the Roman Empire was transitioning from using bronze coins to using coins made of billon, a mixture of silver and copper. The use of billon was a cost-saving measure, as it was cheaper than pure silver, but it also made the coins more prone to wear and tear. Despite this, the Tetradrachm - Aurelianus (272-273) remains a valuable and sought-after collector's item among numismatists today.
