Copper Roman Coin of Aurelian

This hammered copper Antoninianus coin with some silver wash was stamped during the rule of Aurelian from 270-275. The obverse, seen above, depicts a bust of Aurelian facing right, wearing a spiked crown and armor. He united the fragmented Roman Empire after rising through the military ranks to become emperor. The stamped motto states, "IMP AVRELIANVS AVG", which roughly translates to "Emperor Aurelianus Augustus."