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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Aurelian 381

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Aurelian 381. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Aurelian. Mint: Antioch, Syria. The obverse shows bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG. The reverse shows bust of Vabalathus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend VABALATHVS VCRIMDR.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
29
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 taking the empire for himself following the brief reign of Quintillus, he led military campaigns that reunited the Roman Empire. These successes included restoring the eastern provinces after conquering the Palmyrene Empire in 273, alongside undertaking monetary reforms to address the devaluation of Roman currency.

Struck at the mint of Antioch in Syria, this silver antoninianus was produced during Aurelian's reign. The denomination, originally introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD as a double denomination valued at two denarii, was traditionally characterised by the depiction of the emperor wearing a radiate crown. This particular piece pairs the radiate bust of Aurelian on the obverse, accompanied by the inscription IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG, with the laureate, draped, and cuirassed portrait of Vabalathus on the reverse, inscribed VABALATHVS VCRIMDR.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Antioch, Syria
Authority
Aurelian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Bust of Vabalathus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Obverse legend
IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
VABALATHVS VCRIMDR

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Aurelian 381
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
VABALATHVS VCRIMDR
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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