SOLD 270-275 Silvered Bronze Anter Coin Aurelian . COIN588

270-275 AD Silvered Bronze Anter Coin Aurelian. Size approximately 7/8 inch across. Very heavily worn condition.

Additional Notes: The silvered bronze Antoninianus was hand struck during the A.D. 270-275 reign of Aurelian, a pagan Roman emperor often called the “Father of Christmas.” In 274, Aurelian initiated birthday festivities for the sun god Sol on December 25th and started an annual tradition of celebrations including gladiatorial games and feasting.

Antoninianus (silver-bronze) the name of this denomination, often abbreviated to ”Ant”, is derived from the name M. Aurelius Antoninus, commonly known to us as Caracalla, who introduced the denomination in 214 AD. The ancient name is not known.
The Antoniniani would stick around for the next 80 years. The value of this coin was two denarii when first issued, and while a silver coin, the silver content started out at only about 40% and declined rapidly over time. By the time of Gallienus, it turned into a bronze coin just a bit larger than the denarius, with little silver content. Hence, we can have AR Ant or AE Ant. Thanks to the monetary reforms of Aurelian, the coin returned to its original size, and was coated with a thin layer of silver called a ’wash’, which made it look silver again. However, most coins available to collectors will have this silver layer worn off, or barely visible, making the coin appear bronze.

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