Lucius Domitius Aurelianus conspired against Gallienus and supported Claudius Gothicus. After the death of Gothicus, Aurelian defeated Quintillus and succeeded as emperor in AD 270. He was victorious on the military front and the following year received the title Germanicus Maximus - various of his coin reverse types celebrated the efforts of the army. Next Aurelian fortified Rome. In AD 272 he assumed the title Gothicus Maximus.

Aurelian had also reached an agreement with the Palmyrene empire and coins struck under Vabalathus initially recognised Aurelian as ruler. At Antioch coins were jointly struck for both. However, Aurelian soon defeated Zenobia and Vabalathus and conquered Palmyra - thus earning the titles Parthicus and Persicus Maximus, restitutor Orientis. Next he suppressed a revolt in Egypt - this potin tetradrachm from Alexandria was probably struck during AD 272/273.

In AD 274 Aurelian held his second consulship and he reintegrated the Gallic provinces. Aurelian's spouse, Ulpia Severina received the title Augusta in the same year. In AD 275 Aurelian was murdered by his troops en route to Byzantium - he was later deified.

Obv. Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust of Aurelian, right.
Rev. Eagle standing left, wreath in beak, star behind. Throughout imperial times the eagle remained a prominent and powerful symbol for the city of Rome. The eagle was not only a common symbol of the city, it was also the minister of Jupiter's thunderbolts, a major symbol of power and was also found on Rome's military standards.