QUINTILLUS
AD 270
AE Antoninianus. 2.56g, 20.2mmMINTED: Rome mint, AD 270
REF: RIC V 18; Sear 11440
OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR CL QVINTILLVS AVG, radiate, draped bust right.
REVERSE: FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing facing, head right, holding sceptre and vexillum; E in right field.
Notes:Black patina, rough surfaces, some lack of metal. Traces of overstriking, very likely over a Liberalitas issue of Claudius II, as a square counting board typically held by Liberalitas is still clearly seen to the left of the figure of Fides on the reverse.
A budget Quintillus.
Historical Notes:
Quintillus was the brother of Claudius II, and was proclaimed emperor by the Senate when the latter succumbed to the plague in 270 after having ruled for less than a year and a half. Quintillus's reign proved to be even more short-lived, and he was dead within months of his acclamation, overthrown by Aurelian, Claudius's Magister equitum (leader of the armies).
