Aurelian (270-275 AD) ~ BI Double-Denarius ~ NGC Choice Very Fine

NGC CERT #: 5872752-084

NGC DESCRIPTION: BI Double-Denarius

NGC GRADE: Choice Very Fine

ABOUT THE COIN:

The double-denarius, or antoninianus, were struck from 215 to 293 AD.  The first antoniniani were first struck with an alloy containing about 49.5% silver, but the denomination was continually debased until by 274 the alloy contained only 2.5% silver. 

Aurelian reigned during the Crisis of the Third Century, from 270 to 275.  As emperor, he won an unprecedented series of military victories which reunited the Roman Empire after it had nearly disintegrated under the pressure of barbarian invasions and internal revolts.  Born in humble circumstances, near the Danube River, he entered the Roman military in 235, and climbed up the ranks.  He would go on to lead the cavalry of the emperor Gallienus, until Gallienus' assassination in 268.  Following this, Claudius Gothicus became emperor, until his own death in 270.  Claudius' brother, Quintillus ruled the empire for three months, before Aurelian became emperor.

ABOUT NGC:

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