TACITUS
AD 275-276
AE Antoninianus. 3.04g, 23.5mm
MINTED: Ticinum mint, Nov - Dec AD 275
REF: RIC 1st 152; New RIC V/2 Temp #3374
OBVERSE: IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
REVERSE: PROVIDE AVG, Providentia standing right, holding globe and transverse sceptre; Q in exergue.
 
Notes: 
Dark brown patina with earthen deposits in field.  A few thin edge cracks. 
 
Historical Notes:
Tacitus was a distinguished and respected senator who was offered the throne by the Roman Senate when Emperor Aurelian was assassinated in 275. During his short reign, he restored some measure of power to the Senate, and also defeated an army of Goth mercenaries who had been marauding the Eastern provinces. He died suddenly while on his way to repulse a Frankish and Alamannic invasion of Gaul. He was succeeded by his half-brother, Florian.