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Claudius
Claudius, 41-54. Cistophorus (Silver, 27 mm, 11.08 g, 6 h), Ephesus, circa 41-42. TI•CLAVD CAES•AVG Bare head of Claudius to left. Rev. DIAN - EPHE Tetrastyle temple on podium of four steps, enclosing cult statue of Diana of Ephesus with polos on head and fillets hanging from wrists; pediment decorated with two figures flanking large disk set on central table, and two tables and recumbent figures in angles. BMC 229. Cohen 30. RIC 118. RPC I 2222. Ex. Leu Numismatik, Auction 8, Lot 252, 10/23/2021.
Claudius, the Roman Emperor from 41 to 54 AD, was a pivotal figure in the history of the Roman Empire. Born on August 1, 10 BC, he was the son of Nero Claudius Drusus and Antonia Minor. Despite his royal lineage, Claudius faced significant challenges in his early life. He was often viewed as an outsider due to his physical disabilities, including a speech impediment and limp, which led many to underestimate his capabilities.
His ascension to the throne followed the assassination of his nephew, Caligula. Initially, Claudius was seen as a figurehead, but he quickly demonstrated political acumen and a commitment to governance. He enacted several reforms that strengthened the empire, including the expansion of the judicial system and the promotion of public works, which improved infrastructure and trade. Claudius also took significant steps in provincial governance, granting Roman citizenship to various communities and enhancing the integration of the empire.
One of his most notable achievements was the conquest of Britain in 43 AD. Claudius personally led the invasion, showcasing his military leadership. This campaign not only expanded Roman territory but also solidified his reputation as a capable ruler. Furthermore, Claudius was a patron of the arts and literature, fostering a cultural environment that flourished during his reign.
Despite his accomplishments, Claudius’s reign was marred by personal and political strife. His marriages, particularly to Messalina and later Agrippina the Younger, were tumultuous and complicated his rule. Ultimately, Claudius’s life ended in 54 AD under suspicious circumstances, likely orchestrated by Agrippina, who sought to secure power for her son, Nero.
Claudius’s legacy is one of both achievement and tragedy. He transformed perceptions of leadership in Rome and left an indelible mark on the empire’s trajectory, illustrating the complexities of power and governance in ancient times.
Portrait denarii of Claudius are better than those of his predecessors but very nice examples are still uncommon. This coin is actually not a denarius but a cistophorous: the only example in the Roma Aeterna collection. Only a few emperors minted the cistophorous denomination as imperial (as opposed to provincial) coinage. Cistophori are considerably larger than denarii and thus more dramatic coins. But the main reason this coin was chosen was for the reverse which depicts the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The Seven Wonders are very rarely depicted on Roman coinage, and this coin is is one of the best examples of the type.