Quintillus Antoninianus — The Emperor Whose Reign Ended in Mystery

Own a Coin from One of Rome's Briefest Imperial Reigns

A real Roman antoninianus of Quintillus—brother of Claudius II Gothicus and a short-reigned emperor of AD 270 whose rule ended as Aurelian emerged as his rival.

✓ NGC Certified
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📷 Coin shown is a representative example. You will receive one authentic NGC-certified antoninianus of Quintillus. Each coin is unique and will vary in grade, strike, centering, preservation, remaining silvering, and individual appearance.

👑 Issued during an exceptionally brief and poorly documented reign in AD 270
🏛 Features the radiate portrait of Quintillus with traditional Roman reverse types proclaiming imperial virtues
🤲 An NGC-certified antoninianus from the succession struggle that brought Aurelian to power

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

Few Roman emperors ruled for less time than Quintillus.

When his brother Claudius II Gothicus died in AD 270, Quintillus was recognized as emperor, apparently with support in Italy and recognition by the Senate.

But another candidate quickly emerged. The Danubian army proclaimed the experienced commander Aurelian emperor, creating a succession struggle whose chronology remains difficult to reconstruct.

Ancient accounts disagree sharply about Quintillus's reign. Later literary sources give dramatically different lengths—from only a few weeks to several months—and modern historians generally treat exact figures with caution. His coinage was nevertheless produced by several mints, showing that his authority was real even if brief.

The circumstances of his death are also uncertain. Ancient traditions variously report that he was killed by his soldiers or took his own life after his support collapsed. What can be said securely is that by late AD 270, Quintillus was dead and Aurelian had become sole emperor.

Aurelian would go on to defeat Palmyra, recover the Gallic Empire, and restore Roman political unity, but that achievement should not be credited to a deliberate or 'peaceful' sacrifice by Quintillus. The surviving evidence simply does not tell us enough to make that claim.

This authentic antoninianus was struck during that brief succession crisis and preserves the portrait of an emperor whose reign remains one of the most intriguing chronological puzzles of the third century.

Perfect For

• Collectors of Crisis of the Third Century coinage
• Students of Roman imperial succession
• Enthusiasts of Aurelian and Rome's reunification
• NGC-certified ancient coin collectors
• Anyone looking for a historically significant and unusual gift

What You'll Receive

• One authentic Roman antoninianus of Quintillus
• Civilization: Roman Empire
• Ruler: Quintillus (AD 270)
• Denomination: Antoninianus
• NGC certified for authenticity and preservation
• Presented in an NGC holder
• Representative example of the type (each coin is unique)

Continue the Story

Quintillus's brief reign immediately preceded Aurelian's accession. Over the next several years, Aurelian reunited the major breakaway territories and earned the title Restitutor Orbis—Restorer of the World.

Explore our other Roman, Byzantine, Biblical, Greek, medieval, and world coin collections to continue your journey through the rulers, civilizations, and events that changed history.

Buy with Confidence

• NGC certified for authenticity and preservation
• Carefully sourced and verified
• 30-day return policy
• Secure shipping from the U.S.

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Learn More

Continue the story in the Kinzer Coins Journal: Roman Soldier-Emperors: The Generals Who Ruled Rome.