AURELIAN
AD 270-275
AE Antoninianus. 3.13g, 22.4mm
MINTED: Cyzicus mint, early AD 271
REF: RIC 334 (scarce); New RIC Online #2866 (6 spec.)
OBVERSE: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG, radiate bust, cuirassed and draped with paludamentum, seen from rear.
REVERSE: MINERVA AVG, Minerva standing left, holding shield which rests on ground in right hand and spear in left hand.

Grade/Notes:
Almost Very Fine. Well-centered on a somewhat ragged flan. Rough surfaces.
Scarce type, only 6 specimens recorded in the new RIC online database.
 
Provenance:
Ex George Spradling Collection
 
Historical Notes:
Aurelian was one of the more effective of the soldier emperors of the mid 3rd century. He was a cavalry commander of Illyrian birth under emperor Gallienus, and was promoted to Magister Equitum (or head of the army) under Claudius II. As emperor, Aurelian did much to reverse the fortunes of the empire by re-conquering the secessionist Gallic and Palmyrene empires. For his efforts, he was accorded the title Restitutor Orbis, or Restorer of the World.