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Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 

Selections From the Finn Johannessen Collection of Claudius Gothicus
Two Donative Issues

405, Lot: 477. Estimate $150.
Sold for $2100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Claudius II Gothicus. AD 268-270. Antoninianus (19mm, 3.99 g, 12h). Mediolanum (Milan) mint, 2nd officina. 1st emission, circa September AD 268. Radiate and cuirassed bust left, raising right hand in gesture of salutation / Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm frond; –/–//S. Normanby –; RIC V –; RIC Online 15 (this coin cited). Near EF, red-brown patina, light earthen deposits. Extremely rare. One of only three currently cited by RIC Online and one of two in private hands.


From the Finn Johannessen Collection, purchased from Jean Bounoure, 19 June 2006.

CNG is proud to present the first installment of the Finn Johannessen Collection of coins of Claudius II Gothicus. This specialized collection was formed over the last two decades, with the collector carefully and patiently seeking out choice and rare specimens (bidders should take note of the large number of extraordinarily rare and seemingly unique types). The majority of coins being offered are cited in RIC V Online (http://www.ric.mom.fr) – the groundwork for the much-needed revision of Mattingly and Sydenham’s now ninety-year old publication of RIC V.I – with the Johannessen collection forming an important supplement to the coins housed in the principal institutional collections. Dr. Jerome Mairat, co-author of the forthcoming revision of RIC V.I, has also published a number of specimens from the collection.



Of the numerous emperors that ruled during the “crisis of the 3rd century,” the Ilyrian-born Claudius Gothicus was one of the most remarkable (as well as one of a small number that did not meet a violent death). Claudius climbed the ranks of the Roman army, eventually becoming deputy during the tumultuous reign of Gallienus, when Rome was forced to wage war on a dizzying number of fronts. In the summer of AD 268, Gallienus was besieging Milan, seat of Aureolus, a supporter of the Gallic emperor Postumus, when a contingent of Gallienus’ troops murdered the emperor. Ancient historical accounts of the plot differ, with some implicating Claudius and others expressly denying his involvement. Regardless of who was the mastermind behind the coup, troops quickly declared Claudius emperor.

During this time of intense crisis, Claudius’ tough, no-nonsense approach to military affairs and enormous physical stature made him popular with both soldiers and civilians. His defeat of the Goths at the Battle of Naïssus (modern Niš, Serbia), however, elevated him to legendary status. While very little is known about the details of the battle, it was a resounding victory for the Romans, with perhaps as many as 50,000 Goths either killed or taken captive. Claudius received the title “Gothicus” as a result of this decisive victory and, shortly thereafter, the title “Germanicus Maximus” for his victory over the Alamanni and Juthungi at the Battle of Lake Benacus. With two resounding victories under his belt, the emperor next set his sights on Vandal tribes that were plundering Pannonia. Poised to restore the Empire to its former glory, Claudius fell victim to plaque, possibly smallpox, and died in January of AD 270.

According to RIC Online, this issue was struck as part of a donativum (a monetary gift to soldiers in addition to their regular pay). This particular donativum would have marked Claudius’ accesssion.