Denomination: AE dupondius

Period: Roman imperial

Date: AD41-50

Origin: Rome mint

Condition: Near VF, slight pitting

Obverse: Bare head of Claudius ,left, TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP

Reverse: Ceres seated to left on ornamental throne, holding corn stalks and long transverse torch, [SC] in exergue, CERES AVGVSTA

Size and Weight: 27mm, 12.43g

References: Sear 1856, RIC I 94

Features and Provenance: Ex Vitangelo collection via Roma Numismatics.

Tiberius Claudius Drusus was born in Lugdunum (Lyon), Gaul in 10 BC with some form of paralysis, and, although physically disabled he was mentally more than capable, but this did not stop his family from ridiculing him.

He hid in his studies partly due to his treatment and partly due to a lack of social interaction as he was rather uncouth; When his nephew Gaius (Caligula) was assassinated, the Praetorian Guard proclaimed him emperor and by all accounts he made a good job of it. He extended the empire, partially conquering Britain, but he was less successful with his marriages of which he had four. His last wife, Agrippina, is accused of poisoning her husband to ensure her son, Nero, had a clear path to become Emperor. Claudius died in AD 54 at the age of sixty-three.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible