Sale: CNG 60, Lot: 1844. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2002.  Sold For $340. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS. 268-270 AD. Antoninianus (4.77 gm). Milan mint. Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Victory running right, holding wreath and palm; S. RIC V pt. 1, 171. EF, spectacular condition. ($200)

From the Jürgen K. Schmidt Collection. Ex Münz Zentrum Auktion 82 (6 September 1995), lot 821.

This coin marks the victories over successive waves of invaders that threatened to dismember the empire in the late third century. Gallienus, not Claudius, had achieved the initial victory over the Goths at Naissus in 268, but Claudius' victories over the Germans at Lake Benacus and the Goths at Mount Gessax shattered the barbarian armies. Ironically, plague swept the weakened hoards, eventually claiming the emperor and much of his army as victims.