Very rare Aurelian pre-reform Ant

Started by seth, January 07, 2015, 12:28:26 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

seth

Coin is not in best of shapes and I wouldn't dare clean it further, but it's arguably one of the rarest issues of Aurelian, along w/ the SPQR issue.

AURELIAN AE22mm 3.49g Antoninian pre-reform (aVF, patina, uncleaned)

AV: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG; radiate, cuirassed bust r.

REV: VICTORIA AVG; Trophy of arms (helmet r.); on each side, a bound and std. captive in oriental dress.

EXE: C*

REF: BNC 1156; RIC V-1 354, RIC Online #2948 6specs recorded, none in La Venera hoard, 1st officina of Cyzicus mint, early-summer 272AD.

Type issued only at Cyzicus, commemorating the defeat of the Palmyrene Revolt, as the captives are wearing oriental dresses. The reverse is a variation of the VICTORIAE GOTHIC series started by Claudius Gothicus and very rare for Quintillus and Aurelian.

Genio popvli romani

Really nice find!
There are two (at least) type of trophy, helmet to right : http://www.ric.mom.fr/fr/coin/2947 (the one you referred to) and helmet to left: http://www.ric.mom.fr/fr/coin/2948
It seems, based on what I believe to see on the picture, that "your" helmet is turned left.
ROMA CAPVT MVNDI REGIT ORBIS FRENA ROTVNDI

Genio popvli romani

Even if it is not easy to ensure, the reverse die seems very close to the BM 2948 :

ROMA CAPVT MVNDI REGIT ORBIS FRENA ROTVNDI

seth

#3
You are of course right!
I think I was quite starstruck when I found it to be thorough as I should've been.
Thank you for the input, will correct in my database :)

Also modified OP.