Ancient Roman Coins, Very Common Types

GLORIA EXERCITVS reverse
 

The reverse of two soldiers and two military standards is very common. Struck 330 - 335 (and a one-standard version was stuck 335-340) by Constantine and his sons (this one is by Constantine II), it is very common in sizes 18mm and smaller, down to about 15mm officially and even smaller ones were struck unofficially. 

Gordian III

The radiate crown on this coin of Gordian III, AD 238-244, indicates that this silver coin is an "antoninianus," (fondly called an "ant" or "radiate"), an extremely common denomination struck by numerous emperors from 215 to 294. The amount of silver steadily decreases, so radiates from later in the century may appear to be copper almost without silver. This example is 22x20 mm, but some are a bit smaller. Some reverse types are of special interest, but most radiates are very common.

Aurelian
 
Another radiate, this one almost without silver, of Aurelian, 270-275. The reverse shows the sun god, Sol, with two captives, and the legend ORIENS AVG, which refers to the east (as in "orient") and the rising sun and Aurelian's victories in the east.

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