Antoninianus of Aurelian (270–275 AD), struck at the mint of Siscia, belonging to issues produced during the period of restoration and consolidation of the Roman Empire following the crisis of the 3rd century. Aurelian’s reign was marked by intensive military campaigns and the re-establishment of imperial unity, clearly reflected in the coinage.
The obverse depicts the radiate and cuirassed bust of the emperor facing right, with the legend IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG, presenting his name and titulature as Augustus.
The reverse shows Sol standing left, raising his hand and holding a whip, flanked by two seated captives, with the legend ORIENS AVG, accompanied by a star in the left field and VI in the exergue. Sol, as the sun deity, was one of the central elements of Aurelian’s imperial ideology, symbolizing renewal, victory, and divine support for the emperor.
The legend ORIENS AVG (“the rising Augustus”) refers to renewal and a new beginning under Aurelian’s rule, as well as to his successes in the eastern part of the empire, including the defeat of Palmyra. This type forms part of a broader propagandistic program emphasizing the emperor’s role as the restorer of Roman power and the chosen of the sun god.
Roman Imperial
Aurelian (270–275), Antoninianus 270-275, Cyzicus mint
Obverse: radiate, cuirassed bust right
IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG
Reverse: Sol standing left between two seated captives, hand raised and holding whip, ✱ in left field, VI in exergue
ORIENS AVG
Diameter 24 mm, weight 3.72 g
