CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS AD 268-270 AE Antoninianus. 3.82g, 19.4mm MINTED: Rome mint, circa Sep AD 268 - end 269 REF: New RIC V/1 Online temp #282 OBVERSE: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right. REVERSE: FIDES EXERCI, Fides standing left, holding vertical standard and transverse standard; XI in exergue. Notes:

Perfectly centered.  Somewhat rough surfaces, but with a good amount of detail as well as original silvering remaining.  

Provenance:

Ex Finn Johannessen Collection (purchased from Alex Fishman, 17 Oct 2001, with the collector's original tag)

Finn Johannessen was a specialist collector who assembled probably the most complete private collection of Claudius II coinage. His collection included numerous rarities and important additions to the new online version of Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC) V Part I.

Historical Notes: Of low birth, Claudius II rose through the ranks of the army and served as Commander of the Elite Cavalry under Emperor Gallienus. His own brief reign was notable for the success he had in restoring some prestige to the reputation of Empire's legions. At the Battle of Naissus, he crushed a huge army of invading Goths, earning himself the title Gothicus (Conqueror of the Goths). He succumbed to the plague while preparing to go to war against the Vandals.