BI Silver Double-Denarius - Ancient Rome, c. 268-270 AD
Ruler: Claudius Gothicus
Obv: Radiate Bust, left
Rev: Mars, standing right
19mm, 3.52gm
Claudius had served with the Roman army for all his adult life, making his way up the military hierarchy until the Emperor Gallienus made him the commander of his elite cavalry force (hipparchos) and subsequently his military deputy. In September 268 he found himself assigned as a military tribune with the Imperial Army besieging the usurper Aureolus in Milan. His troops then proclaimed him Emperor amid charges, never proven, that he murdered his predecessor Gallienus. However, he soon proved to be less than bloodthirsty, as he asked the Roman Senate to spare the lives of Gallienus' family and supporters. He was less magnanimous toward Rome's enemies, however, and it was to this that he owed his popularity.
