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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Aurelian 249

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Aurelian 249. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Aurelian. Mint: Siscia. The obverse shows bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP AVRELIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows sol, radiate, standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand; to left, recumbant captive with outstretched hand, with the legend ORIENS AVG or ORIEN 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. Alongside these military achievements, Aurelian initiated monetary reforms in an attempt to curb the ongoing devaluation of the Roman currency.

This antoninianus, minted at Siscia, belongs to a denomination introduced by Caracalla in 215, thought to have been valued at two denarii. The radiate crown worn by the emperor on the obverse indicated a double denomination. By Aurelian's reign, the antoninianus had suffered extensive debasement from its initial silver standard, prompting him to adjust its weight in 271 as part of broader currency reforms. The reverse features Sol with a captive alongside the legend "ORIENS AVG or ORIEN AVG", while the obverse displays the legend "IMP AVRELIANVS AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Siscia
Authority
Aurelian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Sol, radiate, standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand; to left, recumbant captive with outstretched hand
Obverse legend
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
ORIENS AVG or ORIEN AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Aurelian 249
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
ORIENS AVG or ORIEN 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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