Aurelian Antoninianus, Mars reverse (RIC V 5)

Obverse

CNG, CC-BY-SA-2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Catalog Reference

RIC V Aurelian 5

Ruler

Aurelian

Denomination

Antoninianus

Date

270 AD-275 AD

Mint

Lugdunum

Metal

Silver

Portrait Type

radiate

Obverse

IMP AVRELIANVS AVG

Bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right

Reverse

VIRTVS AVG

Mars, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and spear in left hand; at his feet, shield

About This Type

This RIC V Aurelian 5 is an antoninianus of Aurelian (270 AD-275 AD), struck at the Lugdunum mint. The reverse depicts Mars, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and spear in left hand; at his feet, shield.

About the Antoninianus

The antoninianus (also called the radiate or double-denarius) was introduced by Caracalla in 215 AD. Identified by the radiate crown on the emperor's portrait, it was nominally worth two denarii. The denomination underwent severe debasement during the third-century crisis, becoming essentially bronze by the 260s.

About the Lugdunum Mint

Lugdunum (modern Lyon, France) was the main western imperial mint from Augustus through the early second century. It was the sole mint for precious metal coinage for extended periods under Augustus and Tiberius.

All Aurelian coins Lugdunum mint All Antoninianus coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC V Aurelian 5?: RIC V Aurelian 5 is a Silver Antoninianus of Aurelian (270 AD-275 AD) struck at the Lugdunum mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC V Aurelian 5.
How do you identify RIC V Aurelian 5?: The obverse depicts Bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right with the inscription IMP AVRELIANVS AVG. The reverse depicts Mars, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and spear in left hand; at his feet, shield with the inscription VIRTVS AVG. Portrait type: radiate.