Watch List notes:

Aurelian, 270-275. Aureus (Gold, 21 mm, 4.24 g, 12 h), Mediolanum, mid to end 272. IMP C L DOM AVRELIANVS P F AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Aurelian to right. Rev. VICTORIA AVG Victory advancing left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond in her left; before her to left, bound captive seated left. Calicó -, cf. 4041 (differing bust type). RIC -. RIC V online 1481 (same dies). Of the highest rarity, the second and finest known example, and the only one in private hands. Very minor scratches in the left reverse field, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.


This beautiful aureus celebrates Aurelian's victory over Zenobia and the capture of Palmyra in mid 272, which returned the eastern provinces to firm Roman control after two decades of disarray. Following a successful suppression of a short Palmyrene revolt in 273, Aurelian would then turn west to fight the Romano-Gallic secessionist Tetricus I, whose defeat in 274 would mark the final point of the grand Aurelianic restoration of the Empire.