RIC V Online 857

Roman Empire, Claudius II (268-270), Antoninianus, Smyrna mint, 1st emission, 2nd officina.

Obverse: IMP C M AVR CLAVDIVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind, •• below;

Reverse: ROMAE AETERNAE, Roma seated left, holding Victory in right hand and spear in left hand, SPQR in exergue;

Notes: There have been many debates surrounding the location of the SPQR mint that struck antoniniani for Gallienus and Claudius II; while the last few emissions certainly belong to Cyzicus, the earlier ones have enough differences in style and metal composition to suggest that they were struck somewhere else. Gysen, Mairat and Doyen, amongst others, all support the idea that it was in Smyrna, and I personally agree.

Reference : RIC V 241; RIC V Online 857;

Collection : Claudius II - Smyrna