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RIC V Aurelian 16

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Aurelian 16. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Aurelian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Aurelian, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand, with the legend P M TB P V•II•COS•II P P. The obverse shows bust of Aurelian, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG. The reverse shows mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand, with the legend P M TB P V•II•COS•II P P.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
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

After rising through the army ranks and commanding cavalry under Gallienus, he was chosen as emperor by the Illyriciani following the brief reign of Quintillus. Aurelian undertook monetary reforms to curb currency devaluation, oversaw the construction of the Aurelian Walls in Rome, and reunited the empire through military campaigns against barbarian groups and break-away regions.

This gold aureus was struck at the Rome mint under Aurelian's authority. The obverse presents the emperor with the legend "IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG", while the reverse depicts Mars advancing with a spear and trophy, accompanied by the inscription "P M TB P V•II•COS•II P P".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Aurelian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Aurelian, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
P M TB P V•II•COS•II P P

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Aurelian 16
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
P M TB P V•II•COS•II P P
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. 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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