Aurelian Antoninianus, Hercules reverse (RIC V 57)

Obverse

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

Catalog Reference

RIC V Aurelian 57

Ruler

Aurelian

Denomination

Antoninianus

Date

270 AD-275 AD

Mint

Rome

Metal

Silver

Portrait Type

radiate

Obverse

IMP AVRELIANVS AVG

Bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right

Reverse

VIRTVS AVG

Hercules, wearing lion-skin, walking left, holding bow in right hand and club in left hand

About This Type

This RIC V Aurelian 57 is an antoninianus of Aurelian (270 AD-275 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Hercules, wearing lion-skin, walking left, holding bow in right hand and club in left hand.

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 Rome Mint

The Rome mint was the principal mint of the Roman state from the Republic through the fall of the Western Empire. It produced the vast majority of gold and silver coinage and was the only mint for much of the first and second centuries AD.

All Aurelian coins Rome mint All Antoninianus coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC V Aurelian 57?: RIC V Aurelian 57 is a Silver Antoninianus of Aurelian (270 AD-275 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC V Aurelian 57.
How do you identify RIC V Aurelian 57?: The obverse depicts Bust of Aurelian, radiate, cuirassed, right with the inscription IMP AVRELIANVS AVG. The reverse depicts Hercules, wearing lion-skin, walking left, holding bow in right hand and club in left hand with the inscription VIRTVS AVG. Portrait type: radiate.