Silvered Antoninianus, A.D. 272-273, Unknown mint, 23.2mm, 4.25g, 0°, RIC V 394; scarce.
Obv: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG. Radiate and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: IOVI CONSER. Aurelian standing right with scepter in left, receiving globe from Jupiter with scepter; B in ex.
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Lucius Domitius Aurelianus Augustus was born near Sirmium in Moesia to an obscure provincial family. He joined the army in 235 at around the age of 20 and eventually distinguished himself in many wars as a cavalry commander and ultimately became a member of Emperor Gallienus' and later emperor Claudius Gothicus' entourage. When Claudius died, his brother Quintillus seized power with support of the Senate. With an act typical of the Crisis of the Third Century, the army refused to recognize the new emperor, preferring to support one of its own commanders: Aurelian was proclaimed emperor in September 270 by the legions in Sirmium. Aurelian defeated Quintillus' troops, and was recognized emperor by the Senate after Quintillus' death.

During his reign, he defeated the Alamanni after a devastating war. He also defeated the Goths, Vandals, Juthungi, Sarmatians, and Carpi. Aurelian restored the empire's eastern provinces after his conquest of the Palmyrene Empire in 273. The following year he conquered the Gallic Empire in the west, reuniting the empire in its entirety. He was also responsible for the construction of the Aurelian Walls in Rome, and the abandonment of the province of Dacia.

In 275, while marching towards Asia Minor, preparing another campaign against the Sassanids, Aurelian was murdered in Thrace (Modern Turkey). Aurelian had been a strict administrator and handed out severe punishments to corrupt officials or soldiers. A secretary of Aurelian named Eros had told a lie on a minor issue. In fear of what the emperor might do, he forged a document listing the names of high officials marked by the emperor for execution, and showed it to collaborators. Mucapor and other high-ranking officers of the Praetorian Guard, fearing punishment from the Emperor, murdered him in September of 275. Aurelian's short reign reunited a fragmented Empire while saving Rome from barbarian invasions that had reached Italy itself. His successes began the transition out of the Crisis of the Third Century, earning him the title Restorer of the World.