Tacitus AD 275-276. Cyzicus
Antoninianus Æ silvered

22 mm, 3,91 g

IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, cuirassed and radiate bust right / CLEMENTIA TEMP/ Q, emperor standing right, holding sceptre, receiving globe from soldier standing left, holding spear.

Nearly Extremely Fine

RIC online 4040.

Marcus Claudius Tacitus, commonly known as Tacitus, was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 275 to 276. He was born in the late 2nd century AD, and little is known about his early life and career before becoming emperor. Tacitus was a respected senator and military officer during the tumultuous period known as the Crisis of the Third Century. During this time, the Roman Empire faced numerous challenges, including political instability, economic difficulties, and invasions from external threats. In AD 275, the Roman Empire was facing a serious crisis, and the current emperor, Aurelian, was assassinated. In the vacuum of power, Tacitus was proclaimed emperor by the Roman Senate. He was in his 70s when he became emperor, making him one of the oldest individuals to hold the title. As emperor, he attempted to stabilize the empire and improve its financial situation. His reign was brief, and not much detailed information is available about his policies and actions. Tacitus either died of natural causes in AD 276 or he was murdered, and he was then succeeded by his half-brother Florianus, who ruled for only a few months before being overthrown by Probus.