DI-330 | RIC I (SE) Claudius 64
Claudius
Claudius

Dynasty: Julio-Claudian
Emperor: Claudius
Authority: Claudius
Date and mint: AD 51/AD 52 - Rome


Obverse: Head of Claudius, laureate, right
Legend: TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P XI IMP P P COS V

Reverse: Legend in three lines in oak wreath.
Legend: S P Q R PP OB CS

Comment: Claudius belonged to the Julio-Claudian dynasty, which united two of Rome's most prominent families. His paternal grandfather was Drusus the Elder, a distinguished general, and his father, Nero Claudius Drusus, also distinguished himself in the German campaigns. Claudius was the nephew of Tiberius and the brother of Germanicus, one of Rome's most popular generals. During his reign he carried out important administrative reforms, reorganized provinces, extended Roman citizenship and conquered Britannia in AD 43. He also reformed aspects of the judicial system and improved Rome's infrastructure, including the Aqua Claudia. This denarius was struck in AD 51-52, when Claudius was consolidating his rule after a decade in power. The obverse shows Claudius laureate, a sign of power, victory and legitimate imperial status. The reverse shows an oak wreath, symbol of salvation and protection, with SPQR PP OB CS: the Senate and People of Rome, Father of the Fatherland, for saving citizens. The type celebrates benefactions to the community and the stability that Claudius' reign brought to Rome.

Provenance: Leu Numismatik (2023)
Price: 9,420 €