IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right / MARTI PACIF, Mars walking left, holding branch, spear and shield. Mintmark S in exergue. 23mm, 2.63 grams. Ticinum mint. Cohen 60. Estiot 1304, La Venera hoard 1789; Sear5 11784.

Tacitus was a Roman emperor who ruled briefly from 275 to 276 AD during the turbulent period known as the Crisis of the Third Century. After the assassination of Emperor Aurelian, Tacitus - an elderly senator reportedly chosen by the Senate and army - became emperor at about seventy-five years of age. He worked to restore stability and campaigned successfully against Gothic and other barbarian invasions in Asia Minor. His reign lasted only a few months before he died suddenly, possibly from illness or assassination. Tacitus was succeeded by his half-brother Florianus, continuing the rapid succession of rulers characteristic of the era.