Aurelian, 270-275, Antoninianus

Aurelian, antoninianus, BI, reign AD 270-275, Tripolis mint, struck AD 274-275, 4.33 g, 22 mm. Obverse with radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, legend IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG. Reverse legend RESTITVT ORBIS, Aurelian standing, presenting a gesture of restoration to a kneeling female personification, type referring to the recovery of the Roman world under his rule. Struck on the typical billon fabric of the late third century, with the usual production characteristics for the Tripolis issue. RIC V(A) 389.

Issued under Aurelian in connection with his program of imperial restoration, the RESTITVT ORBIS reverse corresponds to the titulature “Restitutor Orbis” adopted after the reunification of the Empire through victories over the Palmyrene and Gallic breakaway regimes; coinage from the eastern mint at Tripolis reflects the logistical and financial requirements of these campaigns and the reassertion of central authority across the provinces.