Divus Claudius II Gothicus, died 270. Antoninianus (Bronze, 18 mm, 2.11 g, 6 h), a contemporary imitation of an issue from Rome, irregular mint, after 270/1. [DI]VO CLAVDIO Radiate head of Divus Claudius II to right. Rev. CONSECIHTIO Eagle standing left, wings spread and head turned to right. Cf. Cohen 44, RIC 266 and RIC V online 1278 (for prototype). Struck from a clashed reverse die, otherwise, good very fine.


Clashed dies occur when, during the striking process, no blank flan is accidentally placed between the dies. The reverse die then strikes the obverse die with such force that it leaves an impression, which can be seen on all subsequently struck coins - including our specimen. Usually, only faint traces of the obverse design are visible, but on this example the incuse head of the emperor is exceptionally clear - a striking testimony to the immense forces generated during minting.