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Claudius II (213 – 270 AD) was barbarian-born and served in the Roman army all his adult life. He was reportedly extremely strong. For example, one account claims he knocked the teeth out of a horse’s mouth with one powerful punch. Claudius rose within the military hierarchy, holding several important leadership posts under Emperor Gallienus. In 268 AD, Gallienus was murdered while on campaign (by whom is subject of debate). True to the fashion of the time, Claudius, very popular among his military brethren, was proclaimed Augustus by the troops. His first imperial decree was, ironically, one of mercy. He ordered the lives of Gallienus’ family and supporters be spared, knowing that the Roman Senate likely thirsted for blood.
Regarding Rome's enemies, Claudius showed no mercy. Not long after becoming Augustus, Claudius won the Battle of Naissus, his greatest victory — arguably the most impressive in all Rome’s illustrious military history — when he routed an enormous Gothic army. This success earned him the nickname “Gothicus,” or conqueror of the Goths. Soon thereafter, Claudius dealt with another threat; the Alamanni had crossed the Alps and attacked at the heart of the Empire. Claudius responded immediately, routing the enemy at the Battle of Lake Benacus and earning the title "Germanicus Maximus." Not satisfied with his already impressive collection of military monikers, Claudius also managed to reclaim territories previously lost to the short-lived Gallic Empire.
Claudius kept Roman mints busy issuing coins that promoted his military prowess. This particular double-denarius was struck in Claudius’ name in 269 AD. The obverse depicts a classic bust for the period: the radiate, draped, and cuirassed Augustus, with his usual epithet. On the reverse is Felicitas, the Roman female embodiment of productivity, blessedness, and happiness. She holds a caduceus and a cornucopia, symbolizing military negotiation and prosperity, respectively. Together with the epithet FELICITAS AVG, the coin appropriately advertises the good fortunes of the Augustus Claudius II as Rome's supreme military commander.
While preparing a campaign against his next target, the Vandals, Claudius found himself confronting a different opponent, one so formidable that not even the accomplished imperator could defeat. Claudius died of infectious disease in 270 AD, one of the few Augusti of that century succumbing to natural causes. Before the end, he came close to achieving his lofty goal of reuniting all of Rome's lost territories. Even more importantly, Claudius' prodigious efforts set the stage for the Empire's continued resurgence under the leadership of his military protégé, Aurelian.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Claudius II, 268-270 AD, struck 269 AD in Rome, 2nd emission, 2nd phase, BI Double-Denarius) (2.39 g, 19 mm, 12 h), NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right, IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, Reverse: Felicitas standing left, head left, holding caduceus and cornucopia, FELIC-ITAS AVG, References: RIC V 32 var.; Cohen 79; Sear 5 11331.
Image: Sony ɑ 7R Ⅴ camera / Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens.