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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Aurelian 220

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Aurelian 220. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Aurelian. Mint: Siscia. 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 fortuna, draped, seated left on 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 as Roman emperor from 270 to 275 during the Crisis of the Third Century, taking power after the brief reign of Quintillus. Chosen by the Illyriciani, he achieved victories against barbarian invaders and reunited the empire by conquering the Palmyrene and Gallic empires. His administration was also characterised by monetary reforms intended to curb currency devaluation.

Struck at Siscia, this silver antoninianus belongs to a denomination introduced by Caracalla in 215 and thought to have been valued at two denarii. The radiate crown indicated a double denomination, although the denomination had suffered debasement since its introduction as soldier emperors required coin to pay troops. In 271, Aurelian temporarily raised the average weight of the denomination. The obverse presents the legend IMP AVRELIANVS AVG around the radiate bust, while the reverse depicts draped Fortuna seated on a wheel with a rudder and cornucopiae, accompanied by the inscription FORTVNA REDVX.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Siscia
Authority
Aurelian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Aurelian, radiate, draped, right or bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Fortuna, draped, seated left on 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 220
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
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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