Description: Claudius II (268 - 270 AD). BI Antoninianus, Siscia mint 268-9 AD. IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG; radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / CORCON (sic) EXERCI; Concordia standing left, looking back, holding two standards, one of which is transverse.

Diameter: BI16 mm

Weight: 3,26 g

Grade: VF/VF

Attribution: RIC online 135/14

Commentary: very rare; dark brown and olive patina, good details

History: St. Valentine was accounting to the Christian tradition martyred by Claudius II and his celebration day became gradually associated with romantic love, maybe with some connection to Lupercalia, an archaic rite connected to fertility and observed on February 13-15.

Article Number: 061-07-04-42750