CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS
AD 268-270
AE Antoninianus. 2.82g, 20.8mm
MINTED: Rome mint, circa Oct - Nov AD 268
REF: RIC V/1 Online temp #111 (this coin listed)
OBVERSE: IMP C CLAVDIVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear.
REVERSE: ANNONA AVG, Annona standing left, holding corn-ears and cornucopiae; prow of ship at her feet.
 
Notes:
Extremely Rare. Only 4 specimens listed in the RIC MER online database (http://www.ric.mom.fr/en/coin/111, including this one.
Some original surface silvering remaining.  Rather crude strike with some green malachite hoard deposits adhering to surface. 
 
Provenance:
Ex Finn Johannessen Collection (purchased from Mickael Morin, 27 Feb 2006)
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.