Impressive Aurelian Heavy Aureus
Aurelian. AD 270-275. AV Heavy Aureus (22mm, 6.44 g, 12h). Siscia mint. 9th emission, autumn AD 274-spring AD 275. IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right / ORI EN S AVG, Sol, radiate, naked but for chlamys hanging from shoulders, standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left; IL. RIC V Online 2345; RIC V 188 var. (stop in mint mark); BN 887 (same obv. die); Calicó 4015. Lustrous, a few shallow marks and faint hairlines. Choice EF. Extremely rare.
After decades of disaster and dissolution, the reign of Aurelian (AD 270-275) witnessed a remarkable revival in Roman fortunes. A formidable general, Aurelian led the legions to victories over barbarian foes and secessionist states alike, restoring the empire’s unity and military reputation. Aurelian also paid close attention to the coinage and, circa 273-275, instituted changes that he hoped would stabilize the economy. The gold aureus, which had fallen in weight to below 4 grams under previous rulers, was stabilized and given a stylistic makeover. In addition to the laureate “standard” aureus of about 4.5 to 5 grams, radiate gold pieces were issued on a somewhat heavier standard of 6 to 8 grams. It has been proposed these were intended to circulate as double aurei or “binios,” but there are also laureate aurei that approach this weight and it is perhaps safest to refer to them as “heavy aurei.” The formula IL in the exergue indicates this issue was struck at a theoretical 50 to the Roman pound (“50 to one”), about 6.45 grams, comporting well with its actual weight of 6.44 grams.
