Aurelian, 270-275. Aureus (Gold, 21 mm, 4.23 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 1480 (same dies). Of the highest rarity, the second known example and the only one in private hands. Plugged hole at 12 o'clock and with 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 end of the grand Aurelianic restoration of the Empire.