275-276AD Tacitus Billion Antoninianus – aEF
A fantastic example of a scarcer emperor that only ruled for as little as six months! During in that time he campaigned against the Goths and the Heruli, and received the title Gothicus Maximus “Greatest Goth-conqueror”!
Reverse depicting Salus standing left, holding sceptre, feeding serpent rising from altar. Graded as almost Extremely Fine, fair amount of original silvering remaining.
Description
Origin:Roman Imperial
Region:Rome mint
Denomination:Antoninianus
Composition:Billon, some silvering remaining
Date:275-276 A.D.
Obverse:IMP CM CL TACITVS AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust right
Reverse:SALVS AVG. Salus standing left, holding sceptre, feeding serpent rising from altar. Mintmark XXIΔ
Diameter & Weight:23mm, 4.3g, 6h.
Grade:almost Extremely Fine, fair amount of original silvering remaining
Provenance:Ex Private Sydney Collector
References:RIC 93; Sear 11807; Cohen 123
Tacitus: The Senate’s Surprise Emperor
Birth and Background
Marcus Claudius Tacitus entered the world around 200 CE, probably in Interamna in Italy. Ancient sources keep his parents in the shadows; however, they clearly raised a man who navigated politics with skill. Moreover, Tacitus built a long senatorial career. Therefore, by the time opportunity appeared, he carried experience instead of youthful swagger.
Rise to Power
After Emperor Aurelian’s assassination in 275 CE, confusion gripped Rome. Initially, the army hesitated. Meanwhile, the Senate stepped forward and selected Tacitus. Consequently, he accepted the purple at about 75 years old, proving ambition does not retire. Thus, Rome briefly returned to senatorial influence, at least on paper.
A Short but Active Reign
Although his reign lasted barely a year, Tacitus refused to sit quietly. Instead, he marched east to confront invading forces. Notably, Gothic and Heruli raiders troubled Asia Minor. Therefore, Tacitus struck back with determination. Moreover, Roman forces pushed the invaders back, restoring confidence along vulnerable regions. As a result, he earned the proud title Gothicus Maximus. Meanwhile, he worked to honour Aurelian’s memory and stabilise authority.
Legacy
However, fate cut his story short in 276 CE. Consequently, his death ended the Senate’s brief comeback. Ultimately, Tacitus proved that even a short reign can pack action, grit, and a title that sounds like it belongs on a victory parade banner.
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