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Aurelian, August 270 - October or November 275 A.D.
Sol Invictus ("Unconquered Sun") was the sun god of the later Roman Empire and a patron of soldiers. In 274 the Roman emperor Aurelian made it an official cult alongside the traditional Roman cults. The god was favored by emperors after Aurelian and appeared on their coins until Constantine. The last inscription referring to Sol Invictus dates to 387 and there were enough devotees in the 5th century that Augustine found it necessary to preach against them. The date 25 December was selected for Christmas to replace the popular Roman festival Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, the "Birthday of the Unconquered Sun."RA87252. Billon antoninianus, MER-RIC 3076 (12 spec.), BnF XII 1218, RIC V-1 357, La Venera 10718, Hunter IV -, Choice EF, near full silvering, broad flan, nice portrait, 3rd officina, Cyzicus (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, weight 5.152g, maximum diameter 24.0mm, die axis 180o, 10th emission, phase 1, start to mid 275 A.D.; obverse IMP AVRELIANVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right; reverse MARS INVICTVS (Invincible Mars), Mars on left, standing right, helmeted, spear in left hand, holding globe together with Sol; Sol on right, standing left, radiate, nude but for chlamys over left shoulder, whip in left hand, Γ lower center, XXI in exergue; scarce; SOLD
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