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Product Description
This perfectly preserved and well-struck silvered bronze Roman antoninianus coin of the Roman emperor Aurelian is set in a beautiful high polished cast 14K yellow gold pendant setting of a simple and bold design. The reverse side (mounted on the back side of the pendant, shows Aurelian standing right, clasping hands with Concordia who stands left. The reverse inscription reads "CORCORDIA MILITVM" which translates "in harmony with the army".
The detail and choice dark patina on the coin highlights the crispness and immaculate detail of the coin's art. This coin was minted during the debasement of Roman currency and to replicate pure silver coinage, the Romans were silvering bronze coins much in the way the United States debased our coinage in 1964 when we went from pure silver to a clad mix of silver over copper. This Roman coin is highly rare for typical ancient coins because the exquisite detail of the royal dress of the emperor can be plainly seen. It is coins like this that have provided archaeologists invaluable data to determining how ancient Roman citizens wore their hair, kept their appearances and the type and detail of all manors of dress from military armor to everyday wear. No finer imagery can be had in a coin such as this specimen. The 14 karat yellow gold of the setting makes for a rich contrast to the mellow silver patinated tones of this authentic ancient bronze Roman antoninianus coin minted between 270 and 275 A.D..
HISTORY
Aurelian, born Lucius Domitius Aurelianus in 212 A.D., was a soldier-emperor, having risen in popularity through his military experiences. Rising in the ranks, he became consul under Valerian. He succeeded Claudius II, whose victory over the Goths had begun the territorial rehabilitation of the empire. Aurelian conceded Dacia to the Goths but consolidated the Danubian provinces and held the barbarians beyond the Rhine in check. His most brilliant exploits were in the East, especially in Palmyra, where he captured Zenobia and destroyed her kingdom. Aurelian went to Gaul, where he received the submission of the independent “Emperor” Tetricus. One of Rome's greatest emperors, Aurelian regained Britain, Gaul, Spain, Egypt, Syria, and Mesopotamia and removed for a while, the barbarian threat to the eastern provinces. He fortified Rome with a wall some 12 mi (19 km) in circumference, averaging more than 40 ft (12.2 m) in height. Much of it still remains today. During his reign, despite his allegiance to Roman paganism, Aurelian was merciful to Christianity and abstained from their persecution. Aurelian was murdered by some of his own officers, and Marcus Claudius Tacitus succeeded him.