268-269 AD. Rome mint. Obv: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG legend with radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: VIRTVS AVG legend with Mars standing left, resting on shield in left field and holding olive branch and spear. RIC 190; Sear 11383.3.74 grams. ("). From the private collection of a retired Suffolk gentleman. Claudius rose to military prominence during the reign of Gallienus. Claudius and future emperor Aurelian conspired against Gallienus, leading to the latter's assassination and the elevation of Claudius to the imperial throne. He achieved a monumental victory over the Goths at Naissus, hence the appellation 'Gothicus'. The extent of the posthumous coinage issued in celebration of his memory attests to his popularity and success; eventually, he was even claimed as an ancestor by Constantine The Great. [No Reserve]