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Claudius. AD 41-54. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.63 g, 1h). Rome mint. Struck AD 50-51. TI CLAVD CAESAR P M TR P X IMP P P, laureate head right / S P Q R/ P • P/ OB C S in three lines within oak wreath. RIC I 54; von Kaenel Type 42; RSC 93; BMCRE 66; BN –. Find patina. Near EF.
From the PLZ Collection, purchased from Antiqua. Ex Gorny & Mosch 146 (6 March 2006), lot 409.
Like Caligula before him, Claudius would take the throne without being named as successor. In fact, Claudius might have been the most unlikely of successors to his nephew. There can be no doubt, however, that Claudius becoming emperor saved Rome from what surely would have been a bloody battle for the throne. His “appointment” was through the sole efforts of the Praetorian Guard and perhaps it would be more fitting for this honor to have been presented to them rather than Claudius himself. But when you are emperor, you get the awards.
The legend here, SPQR / PP / OB C S, states that the senate and people of Rome recognize Claudius as Pater Patriae (father of the country) and award him the oak wreath, or Corona Civica, for saving the lives of Roman citizens. There are two issue dates for this type – 46/7 AD and again in 50/1 AD (as here). This later issue may be related to the naming of Nero as Claudius’ heir. Of the earliest Caesars, only Augustus had officially designated an heir. Unfortunately for Claudius, the naming of Nero would lead to his eventual poisoning by Nero’s mother, and Claudius’ wife, Agrippina.
The coin offered here is has a masterful idealized portrait of Claudius, with a perfect strike and virtually no wear. Collectors of this series know that high-grade denarii of Claudius are notoriously difficult to find. This coin is easily among the finest survivors of the type and destined for a top tier collection.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.
CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session One – Lot 1-318 will be held Monday morning, 18 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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