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RIC V Aurelian 138

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Aurelian 138. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Aurelian. Mint: Mediolanum. The obverse shows bust of Aurelian, radiate, draped, right or bust of Aurelian, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right or bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP AVRELIANVS AVG or IMP AVVRELIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows aurelian and priest, sacrificing at altar, with the legend PIETAS AVG.

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, taking power following the death of Claudius Gothicus and the brief reign of Quintillus. Known for reuniting the empire by conquering the Palmyrene and Gallic empires, he also enacted monetary reforms in an effort to curb the ongoing devaluation of imperial currency.

Struck at Mediolanum, this silver antoninianus belongs to a denomination introduced under Caracalla and valued at two denarii. The denomination traditionally distinguished itself by depicting the emperor wearing a radiate crown, as seen on the obverse accompanied by the legend "IMP AVRELIANVS AVG" or "IMP AVVRELIANVS AVG". In 271, Aurelian briefly increased the average weight of the antoninianus. The reverse features Aurelian alongside a priest sacrificing at an altar, bearing the inscription "PIETAS AVG".

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, draped, cuirassed, right or bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Aurelian and priest, sacrificing at altar
Obverse legend
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG or IMP AVVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
PIETAS AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Aurelian 138
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG or IMP AVVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
PIETAS AVG
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
Research required
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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