Claudius II Roman coin AE3, 3rd century ancient Antoninianus

This is a great coin from the late Roman empire, minted in the 3th century under emperor Claudius II also known as Claudius Gothicus due to his decisive victory against the Goths and who ruled the empire from 268 to 270. These were minted during the crisis of the third century which began in 235 with the assassination of Emperor Severus Alexander by his own troops. During the following 50-year period, the empire saw the combined pressures of barbarian invasions and migrations into Roman territory, civil wars, peasant rebellions and political instability, with multiple usurpers competing for power. This led to the debasement of currency and economic collapse. Originally the Antoninianus had a value of 2 denarii as shown by the radiate crown on the emperor with a good weight of silver but at this time of unrest the coins had hardly any silver content and so have a basic bronze look to them. A very interesting time in history to collect.

They have some great details for identification and wouldn't be far off how a roman would have seen their coins in their hands over 1700 years ago!

Size: 17mm (AE3)

Please look closely at the photos for the condition and get in touch if you have any questions.

If you like these then please check out my other listings, I have plenty of great coins to choose from.