Medallion of 8 Aurei

Reverse

Concordia standing facing, head right, grounded signum surmounted by aquila and vexillum in each hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: CONCORD-IA•EX-ERCITVS•

Translation: Harmony in the army

Comment

J. Lafaurie, RN 1958, p. 101, 7-10 and pl. 8, 9. Hunter 27. RIC V.I -. Gnecchi -. H. Huvelin and J. Lafaurie, "Treasure of a Roman ship found in the Mediterranean; new discoveries ", RN 1980, 13-21.

Born about AD 214 on the Danube frontier, Marcus Aurelius Valerius Claudius followed the military career adopted by so many of his countrymen and rose to high command in the reign of Gallienus (AD 253-268). During the siege of Milan in mid-AD 268, Gallienus was assassinated and Claudius acclaimed emperor in his place by his fellow officers. The Senate approved Claudius' elevation, but the all-important soldiers proved restive, as Gallienus had treated them well. Claudius was forced to buy them off with a massive bribe of 10 gold aurei apiece. The highest officers likely received payment in the form of gigantic gold medallions of 8 aurei struck at the mint of Milan, like the present specimen. These were the largest Roman gold pieces struck to that point, and the reverse made a trenchant plea for "harmony in the army" (CONCORDIA EXERCITVS). Once seated in power, Claudius went on to a brief but momentous reign that proved a turning point in history. In AD 270, he won an annihilating victory over the Goths at Naissus. Claudius was hailed as the savior of his nation and the Senate voted him the title of Gothicus, by which he is still known. But Claudius never lived to enjoy his triumph, for he contracted the plague and died in the summer of AD 270. He was immediately defied and greatly mourned. Despite reigning less than two years, he was so fondly remembered that more than 35 years later, Constantine the Great claimed a family connection to him and struck coins in his honor.

Price

Date	Mintage	VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC
ND (268)		-	-	-	-	-	-

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