Aurelian – Antoninianus – shaking hands with Concordia

Struck during the brief but transformative reign of Aurelian (270–275 AD), this silvered Antoninianus celebrates the essential theme of Concordia Militum—the harmony of the armies. After decades of civil war and fragmented rule, Aurelian, known as the Restitutor Orbis (Restorer of the World), utilized his coinage to project an image of a unified military front. The reverse imagery, depicting the Emperor shaking hands with the goddess Concordia, was a powerful symbolic message intended to solidify the loyalty of the legions and reassure a weary Roman populace that the era of internal strife had come to an end under his firm command.

Design & Detail

• Obverse: Features the radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelian. The portraiture is rendered in the classic “Soldier Emperor” style, emphasizing the rugged, disciplined, and stoic features of the general who successfully reunified the Roman Empire.

• Reverse: Displays the iconic scene of the Emperor standing right, clasping hands with Concordia, who stands left. This “dextrarum iunctio” (clasping of right hands) was the ultimate Roman gesture of agreement, marital fidelity, and political alliance.

• Condition & Silvering: This specimen is a notable example, often retaining much of its original silver wash—a thin coating of precious metal applied to the billon core. The strike is strong and well-centered, preserving the sharp details of the imperial cuirass and the delicate folds of Concordia’s robes.

Authenticity & Collector’s Value As the leader who paved the way for the Tetrarchy and the late Roman recovery, Aurelian is a pivotal figure for any historical collection. This “Harmony of the Armies” type is a cornerstone for those documenting the military history and political propaganda of the 3rd-century crisis. At Numiscurio, every coin is meticulously verified for authenticity to ensure it meets our rigorous standards for historical and physical integrity.

Technical Specifications