Emperor Claudius was born on August 1, 10 BC, in Lugdunum (modern-day Lyon, France) and he was the fourth Roman Emperor, ruling from 41 to 54 AD. His full name was Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. He belonged to the Julio-Claudian dynasty, being the nephew of Emperor Tiberius.
Claudius embarked on various public works projects, such as aqueducts and roads, and implemented legal reforms. One of Claudius’s major achievements was the successful invasion and annexation of Britain in 43 AD, expanding the Roman Empire to the island. He also granted Roman citizenship to various provincials and extended the rights of the Latin allies.
Claudius was married four times, with his third wife, Valeria Messalina, being the mother of his children. After her involvement in a scandalous affair, Claudius had her executed.
Claudius died on October 13, 54 AD, at the age of 63. There are historical debates and theories about the possibility of his poisoning, possibly orchestrated by his fourth wife Agrippina to ensure Nero’s succession.
Coins from the Roman Empire during the reign of Claudius provide valuable insights into the political, economic, and artistic aspects of that period.
Here are some general features and types of coins associated with the reign of Claudius:
Denominations:
Roman coins during Claudius’s reign included various denominations, such as Aureus (gold), Denarius (silver), Sestertius (brass), Dupondius (brass), and As (copper).
Portraits:
The obverse of the coins typically featured a portrait of Emperor Claudius. The style of portraiture evolved over time, reflecting changes in artistic trends and imperial propaganda.
Imperial Imagery:
The reverse of the coins often depicted symbols, deities, or events associated with the emperor’s reign. For example, there might be images of military victories, personifications of provinces, or representations of specific achievements.
Military Themes:
Given Claudius’s military campaigns, some coins from his reign showcased military themes, including depictions of soldiers, weapons, or scenes from conquered territories.
Colonial and Provincial Themes:
Coins minted during Claudius’s reign sometimes featured references to newly conquered territories, such as Britain. These coins might include representations of Britannia or symbols associated with the province.
Building Projects:
Claudius was known for his public works projects, and some coins depicted structures associated with his reign, such as aqueducts, ports, or other architectural achievements.
Family Connections:
Some coins might include representations of Claudius’s family members, such as his wives, Messalina and Agrippina the Younger, or his children.
Inscriptions:
Inscriptions on the coins often included the emperor’s titles and achievements, providing information about the political and military context of the time.
Aureus 46-47 AD Lyon – Lugdunum Coin, Claudius
13,185.00 US$
Grade: AU(50-53)
Weight: 7.84 g – Diameter: 19.50 mm
Mint mark: Lyon – Lugdunum
Main character: Claudius
Laureate head right, legend in three lines within oak wreath, TI CLAVD CAESAR·AVG·P·M·TR·VI IMP·XI, S P Q R/ P • P/ OB C S
Imperial period As 41-54 AD Claudius
9,420.00 US$
Weight: 13.09 g
Catalog: RIC 113, Cohen 47.
Extremely rare in this condition
As 50/54 AD, Rome. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P. Head to the left. // LIBERTAS AVGVSTA S-C. Libertas with pileus and outstretched right hand to the right. looking.
Roman Empire Sestertius Claudius, 41-42 AD Roma extremely fine dark green patina.
4,210.00 US$
Weight: 27.00 g – Diameter: 37.00 mm
Catalog: Ric I 96
Material: Bronze
Obv: TI CLAUDIVS CAESAR AVG PM TR P IMP. Laureate head of Claudius right.
Rev: EX SC / OB /CIVIS /SERVATOS, legende in four lines in oak wreath.
ROMAN IMPERIAL ERA Claudius, Denarius 41-42 AD
3,830.00 US$
Weight: 3.76 grams.
Catalog: Jaeger 222, RIC 14, Cohen 6, BMC 13.
Lugdunum (Lyon). TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR P, head with oak leaf wreath to the right / CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI, Constantia sits to the left on a Curulian chair.
Attractive example with fine toning, tiny. Scratches, extremely fine // an attractively toned specimen, tiny scratch on the obverse, otherwise extremely fine.
From a German private collection, all pieces acquired from German coin dealers
Roman Imperial AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm AD 41-54. Claudius Augustus. Near EF
2,990.00 US$
Catalog: C 3. BMC 228
Material: Silver
Weight: 10.94 g – Diameter: 27.20 mm
Obv: Bare head of Claudius to left/
Rev: Distyle temple of Roma and Augustus, enclosing standing facing figures of Claudius, holding sceptre, being crowned by Fortuna, holding rudder.
A well centered example with a powerful portrait.
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