Watch List notes:

Claudius (41-54). AV Aureus, Rome mint, c. 50-51 AD. Obv. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG PM TR P X IMP PP. Laureate head right. Rev. SPQR/PP/OB CS within oak wreath. RIC I (2nd ed.) 53; Calicò 383. AU. 7.77 g. 19.00 mm. RRR. Extremely rare and superb, light patina. About EF/EF. Claudius ascended to the imperial throne following the tumultuous demise of his nephew, Caligula, positioning himself as an unexpected figure in Roman history. Despite facing physical disabilities and familial neglect, Claudius navigated the treacherous waters of Julio-Claudian politics, ultimately earning respect for his moderation and administrative prowess. His portrayal on Roman coinage, particularly on aurei adorned with the Corona Civica, reflects his role in preserving the lives of his subjects, echoing the heroic deeds of his predecessors. While contemporary critics like Seneca and modern scholars like Stevenson may question his merit, Claudius' reign witnessed notable accomplishments, including territorial expansions into Thrace, Lycia, and Judaea, as well as the initiation of the conquest of Britain. Moreover, his centralized bureaucratic reforms and infrastructure developments left a lasting legacy on the Roman Empire. Despite being portrayed as lowbrow and easily manipulated by some ancient historians, recent scholarship has aimed to rehabilitate Claudius' reputation, emphasizing his intellectual pursuits and administrative achievements, including his scholarly works on Etruscan and Carthaginian history. Though his written works have been lost to time, their influence on subsequent Roman scholars like Pliny the Elder underscores Claudius' enduring impact on Roman intellectual life and governance.