Antoninian of Claudius II Gothicus (AD 268–270), struck at the mint of Rome, belongs to issues of his reign in which, alongside military themes, clear emphasis was placed on economic stability and the maintenance of supply to the capital.
The obverse presents a radiate, draped and cuirassed bust facing right, with the legend IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, giving his full titulature as imperator and augustus.
The reverse depicts Annona standing left, resting her foot on a ship’s prow and holding grain ears and a cornucopia, with the legend ANNONA AVG. Annona, as the personification of the grain supply system, played a central role in imperial ideology, particularly in connection with ensuring stable food provision for Rome.
The presence of the ship’s prow directly alludes to maritime transport of grain, primarily from provinces such as Egypt and North Africa, as confirmed by ancient sources describing the organization of the annona system. The combination of grain ears and the cornucopia reinforces the message of abundance and continuity of supply.
The legend ANNONA AVG emphasizes the emperor’s responsibility for the proper functioning of this provisioning system and belongs to a well-documented iconographic repertoire of the 3rd century, highlighting the ruler’s role as guarantor of economic security within the empire.
Roman Imperial
Claudius II Gothicus (268–270), Antoninianus 268-270, Rome mint
Obverse: radiate, cuirassed bust right
IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG
Reverse: Annona standing left, foot on prow, holding corn-ears and cornucopiae
ANNONA AVG
Diameter 21 mm, weight 3.25 g
