Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 270-275 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.73 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC V.1#349 var. , OCRE#ric.5.aur.349 |
| Obverse description | Bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG (Translation: Supreme commander, Caesar Aurelian, emperor.) |
| Reverse description | Female, draped, standing right, presenting wreath to Aurelian, standing left, holding spear; between them, kneeling figure. Star and officina in exergue. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
RESTITVTOR ORBIS (Translation: Restorer of the city (Rome).) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (270-275) - 1st Officina (*A) - ND (270-275) - 2nd Officina (*B) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1000178300 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Antoninianus, struck between 270-275 AD, belongs to the critical reign of Emperor Aurelian, a period marking the turning point in the tumultuous Crisis of the Third Century. Aurelian, aptly named the "Restorer of the World" (Restitutor Orbis), successfully reunified the fragmented Roman Empire, defeating the Palmyrene and Gallic Empires. This coin's reverse inscription directly celebrates his monumental achievement in restoring imperial unity and stability, a defining legacy of his brief but impactful rule and crucial for the empire's survival.
Artistry: The artistic style of this antoninianus reflects the late imperial Roman aesthetic, moving towards a more rigid, hieratic representation emphasizing imperial authority over classical idealism. While no individual engraver is identifiable, mint workshops of Aurelian's era produced portraits conveying a stern, resolute leader. The obverse features a radiate bust of IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG. The reverse, RESTITVTOR ORBIS, typically depicts Aurelian standing, often holding a globe and scepter, symbolizing his dominion and restoration of the world.
Technical/Grading: Produced under intense demand, Aurelian's antoniniani often exhibit variable strike quality. Key high-points for wear include the emperor's radiate crown, hair, nose, and chin on the obverse. On the reverse, the emperor's head, shoulders, and the globe are crucial. Technical strike qualities frequently include minor off-centering, areas of flatness due to insufficient pressure, or weakness from worn dies. The coin's specifications of 3.73 grams and 20 millimeters are typical for the debased silver antoninianus of this era.