Description: Claudius II Gothicus (268 - 270 AD). AE Antoninianus, Cyzicus mint mid-end 269 AD. IMP C M AVR CLAVDIVS AVG; radiate, draped and cuirassed bust left / FORTVNA REDVX; Fortuna standing front, head to left, holding rudder in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left; SPQR in ex.

Diameter: AE22 mm

Weight: 1,74 g

Grade: aVF/aVF

Attribution: RIC 233; RIC V online 908

Commentary: rare; elongated flan with lighter and darker green deposits

History: Claudius II caught the plague and died at Sirmium early in 270 AD, though a story emerged that the emperor instead of dying from the plague, had actually performed a devotio, in response to an oracle found in the Sibylline Books, and sacrificed his life so that Rome could win the Gothic War.

Article Number: 004-07-05-44147