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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Aurelian 32

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Aurelian 32. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Aurelian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Aurelian, radiate, draped, right or bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C L DOM AVRELIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and anchor in left hand, with the legend LAETITIA 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 as Roman emperor from 270 to 275 during the Crisis of the Third Century, following the brief reign of Quintillus. Chosen emperor by the Illyriciani, he won a series of military victories, defeated various invading groups, and reunited the Roman Empire. In Rome, he constructed the Aurelian Walls and enacted monetary reforms in an attempt to curb the devaluation of Roman currency.

This antoninianus was produced at the mint of Rome. Originally introduced as a double denomination valued at two denarii, the denomination had suffered ongoing debasement, prompting Aurelian in 271 to briefly increase its average weight as part of his currency reforms. The obverse depicts the emperor wearing a radiate crown, accompanied by the title "IMP C L DOM AVRELIANVS AVG", while the reverse bears the legend "LAETITIA AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Aurelian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Aurelian, radiate, draped, right or bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and anchor in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C L DOM AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
LAETITIA AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Aurelian 32
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C L DOM AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
LAETITIA 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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