aureus
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈɔˌɹɛəs// UK //ˈɔːɹɪəs// au·reus
n. a type of gold coin used in ancient Rome. It was the main money for paying taxes and buying expensive things.
n. a gold coin of ancient Rome, typically weighing about 8 grams. Often used in the context of historical numismatics or literary references to Roman currency.
The archaeologists found a gold aureus in the temple ruins.
In the museum's collection, a single gold aureus is displayed alongside other Roman coins to show the empire's economic power.
From Latin aureus (“golden; gold coin equivalent to 25 denarii”), noun use of adjective, from aurum (“gold”). Doublet of eyrir, öre, øre, and oyra.