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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Aurelian 223

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Aurelian 223. 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 genius, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; to right, ensign, with the legend GENIVS ILLVR.

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 served as Roman emperor from 270 to 275 during the Crisis of the Third Century, having been chosen by the Illyriciani as one of themselves. His reign was marked by military campaigns that reunited the empire, alongside monetary reforms intended to curb the devaluation of the currency, including temporarily increasing the average weight of the antoninianus in 271.

Struck at the mint of Siscia, this silver antoninianus represents a denomination introduced by Caracalla in 215, thought to have been valued at two denarii. The coin portrays the emperor wearing a radiate crown, which indicated a double denomination, accompanied by the obverse legend IMP AVRELIANVS AVG. The reverse depicts a genius holding a patera and cornucopiae beside an ensign, inscribed GENIVS ILLVR.

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
Genius, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; to right, ensign
Obverse legend
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
GENIVS ILLVR

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Aurelian 223
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
GENIVS ILLVR
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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