Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 121 6-8 Oct 2022
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Aurelian. AD 270-275. Denarius (18mm, 2.43 g, 11h). Rome mint, 1st officina. 11th emission, early-September AD 275. Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond; to left, bound captive seated left, head right; A. RIC V Online 1848; RIC V 73; MIR 47, 139e1; BN 238-40, 242-5. Nearly fully silvered over underlying brown patina. EF. Rare and excellent for issue.
From the Conti Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 98 (12 December 2016), lot 1413; Goldberg 80 (3 June 2014), lot 3231; New York Sale XX (7 January 2009), lot 445; Classical Numismatic Group 38 (6 June 1996), lot 1413.
The venerable silver denarius had all but disappeared by the AD 260s, driven out of circulation by its inflationary cousin, the increasingly debased "silver" antoninianus. As part of his overall coinage reform, Aurelian reintroduced a laureate "silver" denomination, undoubtedly a denarius, in circa AD 275. As with its companion, the improved antoninianus, the silver content was stabilized at close to 5% and production standards tightened up to produce a more attractive coin. Denarii were produced in some quantities for Aurelian and his wife, Severina, but the denomination was discontinued again by his successor, Tacitus.
From the Conti Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 98 (12 December 2016), lot 1413; Goldberg 80 (3 June 2014), lot 3231; New York Sale XX (7 January 2009), lot 445; Classical Numismatic Group 38 (6 June 1996), lot 1413.
The venerable silver denarius had all but disappeared by the AD 260s, driven out of circulation by its inflationary cousin, the increasingly debased "silver" antoninianus. As part of his overall coinage reform, Aurelian reintroduced a laureate "silver" denomination, undoubtedly a denarius, in circa AD 275. As with its companion, the improved antoninianus, the silver content was stabilized at close to 5% and production standards tightened up to produce a more attractive coin. Denarii were produced in some quantities for Aurelian and his wife, Severina, but the denomination was discontinued again by his successor, Tacitus.