I was going to post it when it arrived but found that I couldn't hold my excitement any longer! I'm not a serious collector of the 3rd century AD (although I randomly dabble from time to time), but because of my interest in the Gothic peoples I was on the lookout for a nice VICTORIAE GOTHIC type of Claudius II, and managed to get this example. This coin type commemorates the Roman victory over a large contingent of Goths; this victory is why Claudius II earned the title "Gothicus". It says Gallienus also since its been put forth that it was actually him that fought in the battle but most historians today concede to Claudius II this major victory: Source for the quotes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Naissus This reverse is pretty ironic when you think about the fortunes of the Goths around a couple of centuries later.
Very cool! Congrats on scoring it. I was amused when I read that not only Claudius II, but also Aurelian, Tacitus, Probus, and even Constantine had themselves hailed Gothicus Maximus. Seems that smiting Goths was a popular pastime for awhile. I wonder which amongst them actually deserved the title. But in any case, as you've said, the Goths got their own back on the Romans eventually.
=> mark my words JA ... one day when you least expect it, I will get you back for that high school smoting!! (smiting, smittening?) ... ummm, you know what I mean, right?
Love those Claudius "Gothicus" things, have one myself : Claudius II "Gothicus", Antoninianus Cyzicus mint, AD 269. IMP CLAVDIUS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. VICTORIAE GOTHIC, Two captives leaning besides a trophy. 3.08 gr Ref : RCV # 11381; RIC V pt. 1 # 252; Cohen # 308 This antoninianus comemorates Claudius II' victory against Goths at Naissus, thus becoming "Gothicus" Q
Thanks for the comments and nice coins posted. Feel free to post any Claudius II and Victoriae Gothic coins. Would also like to see if anyone here happens to have a Victor German or Victoria Gvttica to complement my Victoriae Gothic.
I do, but I'm not happy with the pic. Maybe I'll go re-shoot it. I went looking for the Victor German and Victoria Gvttica types after your post, but only found one coin for sale at $150, and it was not to my liking. Maybe another day.
CLAUDIUS II (GOTHICUS) Antoninianus OBVERSE: IMP CLAVDIVS P F AVG, radiate, draped bust right REVERSE: SPES PVBLICA, Spes walking left, holding flower and raising robe, P in ex. Struck at Mediolanum, 268-69 AD 2.8g, 19.9mm RIC 168 CLAUDIUS II (GOTHICUS) AE Half Follis OBVERSE: DIVO CLAVDIO OPTIMO IMP, veiled and laureate head right REVERSE: REQVIES OPTIMOR-VM MERITORVM, emperor seated in curule chair left with raised and sceptre, SIS in ex. Struck at Siscia, 268 AD 1.3g, 14mm RIC 43
Claudius II Gothicus 268-270 AD AE Antoninianus Rome mint IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust right, seen from the back. VICTORIA AVG, Victory standing left with wreath and conrucopiae. RIC 104 Cohen 293 Sear V 11378
Not only this Claudius 2 is not listed on Cohen's, but it's also left headed, and most of all, the engraver had unintentionally omitted the letter" L " in C L a u d i u s on obverse. Reverse includes Diana and Apollo with a lyre. All these couldn't make of it a unique coin for the coinciding combined rarities. I welcome all your comments...
