DI-333 | RIC I (SE) Claudius 70
Claudius
Claudius

Dynasty: Julio-Claudian
Emperor: Claudius
Authority: Claudius
Date and mint: AD 41/AD 45 - Rome


Obverse: Head of Nero Claudius Druso, laureate, left
Legend: NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP

Reverse: Triumphal arch coronado by a equestrian statue, right, between two trophies, each one with a captive a her feet; the horseman holds the spear in right hand
Legend: DE GERM

Comment: This denarius is connected with the Julio-Claudian house, one of the most influential families of the Roman Empire. It represents Nero Claudius Drusus, son of Livia, brother of Tiberius, father of Germanicus and of the emperor Claudius. Drusus was an outstanding general and a central figure in the German campaigns; his early death in 9 BC left a military legacy celebrated by his family for generations. The years AD 41-45 correspond to the early reign of Claudius, who came to power after Caligula's assassination and sought to strengthen his position by exalting his ancestry, especially Drusus' German victories. The obverse shows the laureate head of Nero Claudius Drusus, stressing his status as conqueror and military hero; the legend highlights the title Germanicus. The reverse depicts a triumphal arch crowned by an equestrian statue and flanked by trophies and captives, classic images of victory and subjugation. The DE GERM inscription commemorates victories over Germanic tribes and reinforces Claudius' propaganda as heir to a glorious military line. This coin belonged to the Fernando Cantista Pizarro Bravo collection and earlier to the António Luís Gomes de Morais Sarmento collection; it was found near Chaves, Portugal, in 1878/79 and published in 1884.

Provenance: Império Numis (2024)
Price: 10,000 €