Aurelian denarius from Rome with mintmark VSV

[Victor]

This denarius is a rarer type for Aurelian and it has an unusual set of letters in the exergue- VSV. There are three theories about the meaning of VSV



1) Treat it like XXI (the radiate aurelianus X+X=1), meaning something like V+V = S(emis), so half of the larger radiate coin; but the mark is VSV not VVS

2) Aurelian's fifth anniversary- The abbreviation stands for V(ota) S(oluta) V and the mark was indeed used around Aurelian’s quinquennalia

3) The letters are abbreviated form of VSV(alis) meaning the coin was the usual type of money.


Though there are problems with all three theories; the third explanation is most commonly accepted.


There is another theory that VSV is a political slogan and stands for V(eniens) S(ol) V(icit)   â€œSol came and conquered."


For more see the article by David Woods “Aurelian and the Mark VSV: Some Neglected Possibilities” in Numismatic Chronicle 2013


Aurelian
A.D. 270- 275
Ӕ Denarius
18x19mm     1.9gm
IMP AVRELIANVS AVG; radiate, draped & cuirassed bust right.
VICTORIA AVG; Victory walking left, holding wreath and palm; B in left field.
In ex. VSV
RIC Vi Rome 71