The coins shown are representative examples of the grade and type, but not the actual specimens for sale. For details on NGC’s grading standards and definitions, please refer to our NGC Grading page.
This bronze coin was issued during the brief but consequential reign of Emperor Claudius II, a military leader who helped begin stabilizing the Roman Empire during the chaotic Crisis of the Third Century. Minted around 268-270 CE, this coin represents the short rule of an emperor remembered for his military victories against Gothic invaders and for policies that inadvertently contributed to the legends of St. Valentine.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Claudius II wearing a radiate crown (with sun-ray projections), typically shown with short hair, a stern expression, and sometimes a short beard, surrounded by Latin inscriptions listing his titles
Back side: Likely displays Roman deities (possibly Jupiter, Mars, or Victory), military imagery, or personifications of abstract concepts like peace or prosperity
Technical Details:
Bronze alloy composition
Small bronze denomination (likely an antoninianus, which by this period had become essentially a bronze coin despite its original silver content)
RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage) reference number not visible in description
NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) certified
Minted approximately 268-270 CE
Condition not specified (likely Fine, showing wear consistent with circulation)
Historical Significance:
This coin circulated during the brief but important two-year reign of Claudius II, who came to power amid the turbulent "Crisis of the Third Century" when the Roman Empire faced near-collapse from multiple threats. Known as "Gothicus" for his victories against Gothic invaders, Claudius helped begin the military recovery that would eventually restore Roman stability. According to later Christian tradition, his decree discouraging young men from marriage to boost military recruitment led to conflict with a Christian priest named Valentine, who secretly performed weddings and was eventually martyred. This connection, though historically uncertain, links these coins to the origins of Valentine's Day celebrations. Claudius II died of plague in 270 CE after a short reign, but his military successes and administrative reforms helped set the stage for the empire's eventual recovery under later emperors like Aurelian and Diocletian.
The coins shown are representative examples of the grade and type, but not the actual specimens for sale. For details on NGC’s grading standards and definitions, please refer to our NGC Grading page.
This bronze coin was issued during the brief but consequential reign of Emperor Claudius II, a military leader who helped begin stabilizing the Roman Empire during the chaotic Crisis of the Third Century. Minted around 268-270 CE, this coin represents the short rule of an emperor remembered for his military victories against Gothic invaders and for policies that inadvertently contributed to the legends of St. Valentine.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Claudius II wearing a radiate crown (with sun-ray projections), typically shown with short hair, a stern expression, and sometimes a short beard, surrounded by Latin inscriptions listing his titles
Back side: Likely displays Roman deities (possibly Jupiter, Mars, or Victory), military imagery, or personifications of abstract concepts like peace or prosperity
Technical Details:
Bronze alloy composition
Small bronze denomination (likely an antoninianus, which by this period had become essentially a bronze coin despite its original silver content)
RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage) reference number not visible in description
NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) certified
Minted approximately 268-270 CE
Condition not specified (likely Fine, showing wear consistent with circulation)
Historical Significance:
This coin circulated during the brief but important two-year reign of Claudius II, who came to power amid the turbulent "Crisis of the Third Century" when the Roman Empire faced near-collapse from multiple threats. Known as "Gothicus" for his victories against Gothic invaders, Claudius helped begin the military recovery that would eventually restore Roman stability. According to later Christian tradition, his decree discouraging young men from marriage to boost military recruitment led to conflict with a Christian priest named Valentine, who secretly performed weddings and was eventually martyred. This connection, though historically uncertain, links these coins to the origins of Valentine's Day celebrations. Claudius II died of plague in 270 CE after a short reign, but his military successes and administrative reforms helped set the stage for the empire's eventual recovery under later emperors like Aurelian and Diocletian.
