Quintillus Roman AE Antoninianus (AD 270) NGC

Own a certified Roman bronze AE Antoninianus of Quintillus (AD 270), authenticated and slabbed by NGC. This coin captures a fleeting moment in Rome’s turbulent third century — the reign of an emperor whose time on the throne was as brief as it was contested.

Quintillus was the brother of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus, who had restored some stability to the empire after decades of crisis. Following Claudius' death in 270 AD, Quintillus was proclaimed emperor by the army, likely with senatorial support. However, his claim was not universally accepted. Rival generals and soldiers, still favoring the dynamic leadership of Aurelian, turned against him.

Sources differ on the details of Quintillus’ end — some suggest he died in battle, others that he was murdered, or even committed suicide when it became clear he could not hold the throne. His reign lasted only a few months, making coins bearing his name a relatively rare and sought-after glimpse into a brief imperial claim during one of Rome’s most chaotic eras.

AE Antoninianii of Quintillus typically feature his radiate-crowned bust on the obverse, while the reverse often promotes imperial virtues such as Concordia (harmony) or Roman military strength — ideals he had little time to realize.

Certified by NGC, this bronze AE Antoninianus offers collectors a fascinating piece from a fleeting chapter of Roman history — a reminder of how fragile power could be during the empire’s most unstable centuries.