Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 138 18-19 May 2023
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Claudius augustus, 41 – 54.
Aureus 43-44, AV 7.79 g. TI CLAVD CAESAR·AVG P M T·R·P III Laureate head r. Rev. IMPER RECEPT inscribed on praetorian camp, at the door of which stands Claudius with a standard. C 42. BMC 20. Von Kaenel 438 (these dies). RIC 19. CBN –. Calicó 360.
Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, undoubtedly among the finest
specimens in private hands. An almost invisible scuff on reverse,
otherwise good extremely fine
Graded AU Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5, scuffs, NCG certification number 6558860-021
The accession of Claudius might be best described as an unplanned coup, for he was swept into office by a praetorian guard that believed he was an ideal replacement for Caligula. Just as it had insulated him from harm for the previous five decades, his physical disabilities and reputation for mental ineptness worked in his favour under these dire circumstances. For Claudius this must have been an alarming moment, for he just as easily could have been executed on account of his blood relation and close association with Caligula. Instead, he was hailed emperor by the praetorian guardsmen, who made certain the senate supported their decision. As a result, Claudius dedicated some of his early coinages to the praetorian guardsmen to whom he owed his principate. Previously, Caligula had acted similarly by striking a brass sestertius depicting himself addressing the praetorians. This particular aureus depicts Claudius standing safely within the praetorian camp, the walls of which are inscribed IMPER RECEPT. A companion issue in gold shows Claudius clasping hands with a praetorian (presumably the praetorian prefect).
Aureus 43-44, AV 7.79 g. TI CLAVD CAESAR·AVG P M T·R·P III Laureate head r. Rev. IMPER RECEPT inscribed on praetorian camp, at the door of which stands Claudius with a standard. C 42. BMC 20. Von Kaenel 438 (these dies). RIC 19. CBN –. Calicó 360.
Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, undoubtedly among the finest
specimens in private hands. An almost invisible scuff on reverse,
otherwise good extremely fine
Graded AU Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5, scuffs, NCG certification number 6558860-021
The accession of Claudius might be best described as an unplanned coup, for he was swept into office by a praetorian guard that believed he was an ideal replacement for Caligula. Just as it had insulated him from harm for the previous five decades, his physical disabilities and reputation for mental ineptness worked in his favour under these dire circumstances. For Claudius this must have been an alarming moment, for he just as easily could have been executed on account of his blood relation and close association with Caligula. Instead, he was hailed emperor by the praetorian guardsmen, who made certain the senate supported their decision. As a result, Claudius dedicated some of his early coinages to the praetorian guardsmen to whom he owed his principate. Previously, Caligula had acted similarly by striking a brass sestertius depicting himself addressing the praetorians. This particular aureus depicts Claudius standing safely within the praetorian camp, the walls of which are inscribed IMPER RECEPT. A companion issue in gold shows Claudius clasping hands with a praetorian (presumably the praetorian prefect).