Roman Empire Divus Claudius II Gothicus r. 268-270 AD Altar-enclosure with flames rising

Roman Empire, Caesar Marcus Claudius II Augustus (Divus Claudius II Gothicus) r. 268–270 AD, Denomination: AE Antoninianus, Weight: 1.84 grm, Diameter: 17 mm, Rome mint.

‘This coin is extremely rare because Emperor Claudius II Gothicus ruled for only about 2 years’

Obverse: DIVO CLAVDIO, radiate bust right.

Reverse: CONSECRATIO, altar-enclosure with flames rising from top, horns visible on either side.

Claudius II Gothicus (r. 268–270 AD) was a Roman emperor remembered for his great victory over the Goths at the Battle of Naissus, which secured the empire during a time of crisis. After his death from plague, he was deified by the Senate, and posthumous coinage was issued in his honor. The Antoninianus, a common silvered bronze coin of the period, often bore the legend DIVO CLAVDIO on the obverse with his radiate bust, symbolizing divinity. The reverse with CONSECRATIO and an altar with flames represented his official consecration among the Roman gods. These coins served both as currency and as a political-religious tool, reinforcing the emperor’s divine status and stabilizing loyalty within the empire.