Obverse: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG; Radiate,
Draped and Cuirassed Bust Facing Left
Reverse: VIRTVS AVG; Mars Standing Right,
Holding Spear, Left Hand Resting on Shield
Claudius Gothicus was a native of Illyricum
who rose to high rank in the Roman army,
ultimately serving as the deputy commander
of the army under Emperor Gallienus. During
the siege of Milan, Claudius conspired along
with Aurelian and Heraclianus to murder
Gallienus in August of 268 A.D. After the
successful execution, Claudius was elevated to
the throne. Immediately after assuming the
throne, Claudius had to deal with barbarian
invaders, specifically the Alemanni who
managed to infiltrate Northern Italy. After
repelling these invaders, Claudius stopped by
Rome to pay homage to the Senate and the
people while en route to the Balkans. There,
he delivered a resounding defeat to the much
larger Goth army, eliminating them as a
threat to the empire for the next hundred
years and earning him the nickname,
“Gothicus.” With the Eastern front secured,
Claudius now turned his attentions to Gaul
where the opening moves of a campaign to
suppress the Gallic secessionist state had
already begun. However, before the
anticipated invasion could be staged, Claudius
fell victim to the plague at Sirmium and died in
January of 270 A.D.
