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Aurelian
Aurelian. A.D. 270-275. Silvered antoninianus. 3.61 gm. 22 mm. Siscia mint, 3rd officina. Struck autumn 272-early 274 A.D. His radiate and cuirassed bust right; IMP AVRELIANVS AVG / Aurelian standing right, clasping hands with Concordia standing left; CONCORDIA MILITVM around, *T in exergue. RIC V.1 216. RIC V online 2206. Ex. Collection of Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang. Ex. Davisson’s E-Auction 45, lot 95, 11/09/2022.
Lucius Domitius Aurelianus, better known as Aurelian, ruled as Roman Emperor from 270 to 275 CE, a critical period during the empire’s third-century crisis. His reign, though brief, was marked by exceptional military and administrative achievements that earned him the title *Restitutor Orbis*, or "Restorer of the World."
Born in the province of Moesia around 214 CE, Aurelian rose through the ranks of the Roman army due to his remarkable military acumen. When he ascended the throne in 270 CE, the Roman Empire was teetering on the brink of collapse, with external invasions and internal fragmentation threatening its survival. Aurelian’s leadership proved instrumental in reuniting and stabilizing the empire.
One of his most celebrated accomplishments was the reconquest of the breakaway Palmyrene Empire in the East and the Gallic Empire in the West. These victories restored Rome’s territorial integrity. Aurelian’s decisive campaigns against the Goths and Vandals also secured the empire’s borders, demonstrating his prowess as a general and his commitment to safeguarding Roman interests.
Aurelian’s contributions were not limited to military successes. Recognizing the vulnerability of Rome, he commissioned the construction of the Aurelian Walls, a massive fortification that would protect the city for centuries. Furthermore, he implemented economic reforms, including measures to stabilize the debased Roman currency. These actions helped to restore confidence in the empire’s governance.
Despite his achievements, Aurelian’s reign ended abruptly when he was assassinated by members of his own staff in 275 CE. His legacy, however, endures as one of the most effective emperors of the late Roman Empire. Through his military triumphs and administrative reforms, Aurelian succeeded in restoring stability and unity, leaving an indelible mark on Roman history during one of its darkest periods.
It is challenging to find 3rd century antoniniani in an choice state of preservation. The example is an exception, as the obverse is crisp but unusually the reverse is also very sharp. The silvering is intact in the fields which gives this coin a cameo-like appearance with the the darker devices contrasting with the silvery fields.