Claudius II Gothicus BI Antoninianus (REGI ARTIS, RIC V.1 215)

CLAUDIUS II GOTHICUS, AD 268-270
BI Antoninianus (20.87mm, 4.33g, 12h)
Struck early-mid AD 270. Antioch mint
Obverse: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Claudius II right, seen from rear
Reverse: REGI ARTIS, Vulcan standing right, wearing pileus, holding hammer in right hand and tongs in left
References: RIC V.1 215; RIC V.1 (online, temp) 1065; RCV 11365; ERIC II 267

Dark and somewhat grainy surfaces. Centered and well struck with excellent detail. A scarce and popular type, and one of only a few Roman Imperial coins to depict Vulcan, god of fire, metalworking, and the forge. He is shown here wearing his characteristic pileus, or liberty cap, and holding the implements of his trade – a blacksmith’s hammer and a pair of large tongs. The reverse legend “REGI ARTIS,” meaning “to the King of the Arts” is unique among Roman coins.

Collection : Roman Imperial - the Military Anarchy