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ROMAN EMPIRE, Aurelian
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Billon Antoninianus of Ticinum of A.D.274-275
Obv: IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG Radiate, cuirassed bust right
Rev: PROVIDEN DEOR Fides Militum standing right, holding standard in each hand, facing Sol standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand. Officina and mint mark Q XX T in exergue.
Weight: 4.05g
RIC.152 Sear RCV III 11587
In A.D.274 Aurelian attempted a currency reform that did bring a certain amount of stability. The antoninianus was restored to approximately its original size. The actual silver content was increased slightly, but remained very low at around 4.5% overall. These reformed antoninianii often bear a mint mark of XXI that is thought to represent the ratio of 20 parts copper to 1 of silver. However, coins produced at Ticinum, as shown here, have the letter T instead of the I in the value mark.
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