Watch List notes:

Aurelian, 270-275. Aureus (Gold, 22 mm, 5.29 g, 12 h), Tripolis, spring-summer 273. AVRELIANVS AVG Laureate and cuirassed bust of Aurelian to right. Rev. VIRTVS ILLYRICI Virtus advancing right, holding spear in her right hand and trophy over her left shoulder; at feet to right, seated captive wearing Phrygian cap. Calicó 4058 corr. ('Antioch'). Cohen 280. RIC 380 corr. ('Antioch'). RIC V online 3210. Rare. Light traces of mounting, otherwise, very fine.


This issue was struck during Aurelian's campaign against Zenobia and Vabalathus. It boasts the Virtus of the Illyrian officer corps, under whose auspices the Empire was about to be reunited after many years of disintegration.