CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS
AD 268-270
AE Antoninianus. 3.48g, 22.5mm
MINTED: Cyzicus mint, circa mid AD 269
REF: New RIC V/1 Online temp 873 (this coin cited)
OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR CLAVDIVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear.
REVERSE: SALVS AVG, Salus standing right, feeding snake held in right hand from patera held in left hand.
Grade/Notes:Almost Very Fine. Dark green patina; lightly smoothed. Well-centered.
Rare - 1 of 7 examples recorded in the New RIC V/1 Online database.
Salus, the goddess of health and well-being, was frequently invoked to guard against disease. During the reign of Claudius II, the Plague of Cyprian, a devastating pandemic that at its height was killing as many as 5,000 people in the city of Rome, had been raging for almost 20 years. The Plague had brought the Empire, already strained by frequent civil wars, conflict with the Parthians, and barbarian incursions, to the brink of collapse. It eventually ended around AD 270, claiming amongst its last victims the emperor himself.
Provenance:
Ex Finn Johannessen Collection (purchased from Ancient Treasures, 21 Apr 2008)
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.
CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS . AD 268-270 . AE Antoninianus . Salus . *Rare & Pedigreed*
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