This series is what practically got me into actively studying and pursuing LRBs and is arguably one of the better series of Gothicus (along with the Moneta Cyzicus series), in a reign that has seen the worst of the Antoniniani debasement and sloppy execution of both design and flan. What sets these Smyrna-minted Ants apart is the overall nice style, wide flans and attention to details that was apparent on late Gallienus's but saw its apex on coins minted at the beginning of Gothicus's reign (cca. September 268 to Jan/Feb. 269). All of them are rather scarce to rare, while Phase 1 - the carry-over types from Gallienus (CLAVDIVS AVG obv. legend) - are downright very rare. An interesting question that I think might help narrow the dating of Phase 2 (IMP C M AVR CLAVDIVS AVG obv. legend) is about the officina markings, which in our case are the little dots under the bust that some issues lack. Considering that Phase 1 for Gothicus have no officina markings, I think we could hypothesize that the issues without these marks from Phase 2 are to be dated at the beginning of this phase and thus being the earliest issues employing the new obv. legend IMP C M AVR CLAVDIVS AVG here. Both S. Estiot and J. Mairat date Phase 2 of Smyrna at the end of 268 until early 269 with no distinction between ones with officina marks and those without, although the chronological order is somewhat implied by the order in which the types are presented on the site. Here are 2 examples from the VIRTVTI AVG type that was also issued for Gallienus and would not surprise if it were to appear on Phase I for Gothicus too although as far as I know it's not yet recorded. CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS AE23mm 4.90g Antoninian (VF) AV: IMP C M AVR CLAVDIVS AVG; radiate, cuirassed, bust r. REV: VIRTVTI AVG; Trophy of arms (helmet l.); on each side, a bound and std. captive in oriental dress. EXE: SPQR REF: Alf. 1938, 27.13, RIC V-1 255var (bust type variation), RIC Temp #823 Scarce, 8 specs recorded, 1st issue of the 2nd phase at Smyrna mint, end 268 – early 269AD. This one shows no officina mark, being probably earlier in the phase. VS. CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS AE22mm 3.22g Antoninian (F+, worn) AV: IMP C M AVR CLAVDIVS AVG; radiate, cuirassed bust r. • beneath the bust REV: VIRTVTI AVG; Trophy of arms (helmet l.); on each side, a bound and std. captive in oriental dress. EXE: SPQR REF: RIC V-1 255, RIC Online #845 very rare issue, 2 specs recorded, 1st officina of the 2nd phase from Smyrna mint, end of 268 to early 269AD. Note the dot under the bust, making this probably a later issue in the phase.
I recently ordered Samuel K Eddy's The Minting of Antoniniani A.D. 238-249 and the Smyrna Hoard, published by ANS, 1967. Of course, this has to do with an earlier period than you're discussing in this thread, but I'm curious about the disposition of that hoard - whether it contained any later coins akin to yours.
To Mr. Mairat Smyrna is what RIC refers to as "Asian mint" for Gallienus. Sometime before mid 269 the mint was moved to Cyzicus which is marked by the appearance of new types like his famous VICTORIAE GOTHIC. These new types show some of the distinctive features seen at Smyrna like the features of the portrait, the long obv. legend and an overall heavier flan, for a few months (referred to as Phase 1 Cyzicus), before developing into a new style that breaks away from the Smyrna tradition (Phase 2 Cyzicus). Here are 2 examples to show the evolution of Cyzicus style from Smyrna-influenced to its own separate style: Cyzicus Phase 1 (mid-end 269): Please note the bust features and most importantly the long legend IMP C M AVR CLAVDIVS AVG (AE23mm 3.93g) VS. Cyzicus Phase 2 (late 269 or more likely early to mid 270): A new portrait style, short legend IMP CLAVDIVS PF AVG and lower weight and die diameter at AE19mm 2.38g.
