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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Aurelian 147

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Aurelian 147. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Aurelian. Mint: Mediolanum. The obverse shows bust of Aurelian, radiate, draped, right or bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP AVRELIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, walking left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left hand, with the legend VIRTVS MILITVM.

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 as Roman emperor from 270 to 275 during the Crisis of the Third Century, having been chosen by the Illyriciani after rising through the army ranks. His reign was defined by extensive military campaigns that reunited the Roman Empire following victories over groups including the Alamanni, Goths, Vandals, Juthungi, Sarmatians, and Carpi, alongside conquests of the Palmyrene Empire and Gallic Empire.

Produced at Mediolanum, this silver antoninianus represents a denomination introduced by Caracalla in 215, thought to have been valued at two denarii and conventionally identified by the emperor wearing a radiate crown. Aurelian instituted monetary reforms in an effort to curb currency devaluation, briefly increasing the average weight of the antoninianus in 271. The obverse presents the ruler under the legend IMP AVRELIANVS AVG, whilst the reverse pairs the inscription VIRTVS MILITVM with a depiction of Victory holding a wreath and palm branch.

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
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, walking left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
VIRTVS MILITVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Aurelian 147
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVS MILITVM
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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