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RIC V Aurelian 128

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Aurelian 128. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Aurelian. Mint: Mediolanum. The obverse shows bust of Aurelian, radiate, draped, right or bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right or bust of Aurelian, helmeted, radiate, cuirassed, left, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand, with the legend IMP AVRELIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows fortuna, draped, seated left by wheel, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend FORTVNA REDVX.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Aurelian ruled the Roman Empire from 270 to 275 during the Crisis of the Third Century. After rising through the army, he assumed power in 270 following the death of Claudius Gothicus and the brief rule of Quintillus. His reign was marked by military campaigns that reunited the empire, alongside monetary reforms intended to curb the severe devaluation of Roman currency.

This silver antoninianus was produced at the Mediolanum mint. The denomination, originally introduced under Caracalla and valued at two denarii, was distinguished by the radiate crown worn by the emperor on the obverse. Aurelian sought to reform this denomination in 271 by temporarily increasing its average weight during an era of significant debasement. The obverse presents the ruler under the legend "IMP AVRELIANVS AVG", while the reverse bears the legend "FORTVNA REDVX", depicting the draped figure of Fortuna seated beside a wheel, holding a rudder and cornucopiae.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Mediolanum
Authority
Aurelian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Aurelian, radiate, draped, right or bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right or bust of Aurelian, helmeted, radiate, cuirassed, left, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand
Reverse
Fortuna, draped, seated left by wheel, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
FORTVNA REDVX

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Aurelian 128
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
FORTVNA REDVX
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
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Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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