Aureus (Coin) Portraying Emperor Aurelian
272, issued by Aurelian
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Diam.: 2.1 cm (7/8 in.)
Classification
coin
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
5714
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
On the front (obverse) of this coin is a portrait of Roman Emperor Aurelian facing to the right. He is laureate, cuirassed, and has an aegis over his left shoulder. On the back (reverse) is a rearing lion rears facing left, radiate, and carrying a thunderbolt in his mouth. Portraits of important people appear on local currency all around the world. The same was true in ancient Rome, which began producing its first coinage in the late 4th century BC. Early coins depicted the heads of gods and go...
About the Artist
Ancient Roman
The artists attributed to "Ancient Roman" in museum collections represent the anonymous craftsmen who produced the vast output of sculpture, frescoes, mosaics, and reliefs defining Roman visual culture from the Republic (c. 509–27 BCE) to the late Empire (c. 395 CE). Individual identities remain elusive, as Roman makers were typically viewed as skilled tradesmen—often enslaved Greeks or provincial...