CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS
AD 268-270
AE Antoninianus. 3.90g, 20.5mm
MINTED: Mediolanum (Milan) mint, circa Sep 268 - mid AD 269
REF: RIC V/1 online temp #34; RIC1st V 171
OBVERSE: IMP CLAVDIVS P F AVG, radiate draped bust right.
REVERSE: VICTORIA AVG, Victory running right holding wreath and palm; S in exergue.
 
Notes:
Well struck fine style portrait. Good amount of original surface silvering remaining. An attractive specimen.
 
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.