CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS
AD 268-270
AE Antoninianus. 1.88g, 16mm
MINTED: Rome mint, AD 270. Posthumous issue struck under Quintillus. 
REF: RIC 266; Cunetio 2314
OBVERSE: DIVO CLAVDIO, radiate head right.
REVERSE: CONSECRATIO, eagle with spread wings standing left, head right.
 
Provenance:
From an old Swiss collection, purchased in the 1960s or 1970s from Numiphil Basel

Notes:
Dark green patina. Struck on a compact flan. 
 
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.