Claudius, 41 – 54
Aureus 45, AV 7.82 g. [TI CL]AVD CAESAR·AVG P M T·R·P IIII Laureate head r. Rev. IMPER RECEPT inscribed on praetorian camp, at the door of which stands Claudius with a standard. C 43. BMC 23. von Kaenel 520 (this coin listed). RIC 25. CBN 43. Calicó 361. Very rare and in superb condition for this interesting issue. A bold portrait and a finely detailed reverse composition, slightly off-centre, otherwise virtually as struck and almost Fdc Ex Rollin & Feuardent sale 23-24 April 1887, Ponton dAmecourt, 96. This coin is sold with an export licence issued by the government of Spain. 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).