AE Antoninianus, A.D. 270, Rome, 21.0mm, 3.71g, 0°, RIC V 33.
Obv: IMP C M AVR CL QVINTILLVS AVG. Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORIA AVG. Victory advancing right, wreath in right, palm over shoulder in left; Γ in ex.
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Marcus Aurelius Claudius Quintillus Augustus was Roman Emperor for less than a year in 270. Originally from a low born family in Sirmium, Illyricum, Quitillus came to prominence with the accession of his brother Claudius II Gothicus to the imperial throne in 268. Upon the death of his brother in 270, Quintillus was declared emperor either by the Senate or by his brother’s soldiers. Although contemporary records do not agree regarding his ascension, they do agree, however that the legions which had followed Claudius in his campaigns along the Danube were either unaware or disapproving of Quintillus' elevation. They instead elevated their current leader Aurelian as emperor.

The few records of Quintillus' reign are contradictory. They disagree on the length of his reign, variously reported to have lasted as few as 17 days and as many as 177 days. The cause of his death is also uncertain. Historia Augusta reports him murdered by his own soldiers in reaction to his strict military discipline. Jerome reports him killed, presumably in conflict with Aurelian. John of Antioch and Joannes Zonaras reported Quintillus to have committed suicide by opening his veins and bleeding himself to death. John reports the suicide to have been assisted by a physician. All records however agree in placing the death at Aquileia.

Surviving Roman records considered Quintillus a moderate and capable Emperor. He was seen as a champion of the Senate and compared to previous Emperors Servius Sulpicius Galba and Publius Helvius Pertinax. All three were highly regarded by Senatorial sources despite their failure to survive a full year of reign.