Father of Valentine’s Day – Claudius II Gothicus Bronze Coin
This one-coin presentation box features an authentic bronze coin of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus (AD 268–270), remembered in history as the ruler linked to the origins of Valentine’s Day.
Technical Details:
Historical Significance:
Claudius II came to power during the Crisis of the Third Century, a time of invasions, plagues, and political upheaval. Though his reign was brief, he achieved a decisive victory over the Goths—earning the name “Gothicus.”
His connection to Valentine’s Day stems from later Christian tradition. According to legend, Claudius forbade marriages among young men, believing single soldiers made better fighters. A Christian priest named Valentinus defied this edict by secretly performing marriages. For this, he was arrested and executed on February 14th, AD 269, eventually becoming St. Valentine, the patron saint of love.
This coin thus represents not only a powerful emperor of Rome’s troubled 3rd century, but also the world’s most enduring celebration of love. It is a tangible artifact tied to the legendary origins of Valentine’s Day—a story where imperial law, Christian faith, and eternal love intersect.
Father of Valentine’s Day – Claudius II Gothicus Bronze Coin
This one-coin presentation box features an authentic bronze coin of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus (AD 268–270), remembered in history as the ruler linked to the origins of Valentine’s Day.
Technical Details:
Historical Significance:
Claudius II came to power during the Crisis of the Third Century, a time of invasions, plagues, and political upheaval. Though his reign was brief, he achieved a decisive victory over the Goths—earning the name “Gothicus.”
His connection to Valentine’s Day stems from later Christian tradition. According to legend, Claudius forbade marriages among young men, believing single soldiers made better fighters. A Christian priest named Valentinus defied this edict by secretly performing marriages. For this, he was arrested and executed on February 14th, AD 269, eventually becoming St. Valentine, the patron saint of love.
This coin thus represents not only a powerful emperor of Rome’s troubled 3rd century, but also the world’s most enduring celebration of love. It is a tangible artifact tied to the legendary origins of Valentine’s Day—a story where imperial law, Christian faith, and eternal love intersect.
