M. Aurelius Claudius obtained imperial favor by his talents, and became one of the leading generals under Valerian and Gallienus. On the assassination of the latter, in the plot against whom he is said to have taken part, he was immediately proclaimed emperor and then proceeded to inflict a crushing defeat on the Alamanni, who had invaded Raetia and penetrated into Italy. In A.D. 269 he marched against a large army of Goths, and though the Roman army was hopelessly outnumbered, he won a brilliant victory over the invaders in a great battle fought at Naissus in Upper Moesia. Unfortunately, some of the wandering Gothic survivors contracted plague which spread to the Roman army and claimed the life of Claudius.
It is unclear why his coins would carry a reference to the Orient.
Click on coin catalog links to view images:
| Catalog | Denom | Inscription | Reverse Type |
|---|---|---|---|
Claudius II A.D. 268-270 |
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| RIC 153 | anton | IMP CLAVDIVS PF AVG / ORIENS AVG | Sol stand. L, raising R hand and holding globe |
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This page last updated 23 Feb 2021
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