Bring Out Your Claudius Gothicus!

Antoninianus of Claudius II, Obverse: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG “Emperor caesar Claudius augustus.” Reverse: FIDES AVG (reverse lettering is blundered, “FEDIS”.) “Fidelity to the emperor.” Mercury holding a purse and caduceus, officina mark “Z” below. RIC 207, Sear 11333

I didn't think much of this one when I bought it, but it was cheap and filled the hole for a minor emperor.

Here are my notebook entries:

· Marcus Aurelius Valerius Claudius along with Aureolus were responsible for the assassination of the Gallienus. Claudius had risen up through the ranks of military, as many high ranking Romans had done.

· Despite his less than admirable rise to power, the Senate, which had not regarded Gallienus highly, confirmed his claim to the throne. He soon proved his worthiness to the throne.

· He defeated an invasion by the Alamanni, weakened the Gallic Empire by invading its Spanish and Gaul territories and inflicted a massive defeat on the Goths at the Battle of Naissus. The Goths had been plundering the Balkans for some time.

In recognition of his great victory over the Goths, Claudius had the appellation “Gothicus” added to his name.

· Many of the defeated Goths were recruited into the Roman Army. This proved to be a disaster because they brought with them another round of plague.

· The plague claimed the life of Claudius Gothicus thus cutting short his reign.

 

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That is a nice Antoninianus of aka Claudius II. Very well struck and even with some silvering.
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I have two Claudius Gothicus coins & one is actually my avatar -- not a coin of Gallienus for which I only own a horribly struck, cheap Ant.


Claudius II Gothicus, AD 268-270. AE Medallion (49.06 g; 42 mm) minted at Cyzicus in Mysia. Laureate, cuirassed and draped bust right of Claudius Gothicus. Reverse: Sol in quadriga right; to lower right, male personification (Hades?) holding cornucopiae. Unpublished? SNG Cop —; SNG von Aulock —; BMC —; Mionnet —. Even, medium dark green patina with a handsome portrait (unusual for such a late provincial bronze). Very Fine to Extremely Fine.


writeup by Goldberg's Auctions, their Auction #70, Aug 2012, lot 3377
previously their auction #69 May 2012 where it was unsold
previously Gorny & Mosch 2011.

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I also have this AE denarius of Claudius Gothicus

Claudius II Gothicus, 268-270. Denarius
(Orichalcum, 17 mm, 3.64 g, 12 h), Mediolanum, September 268-mid 269.