The Roman Empire
Claudius, 41 – 54
Aureus 46-47, AV 7.70 g. TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P VI IMP XI Laureate head r. Rev. DE BRITANN on architrave of triumphal arch surmounted by equestrian statue l., between two trophies. C 17. BMC 32. RIC 33. CBN 54. Calicó 349.
Very rare and in exceptional condition for this historically important issue.
A bold portrait well struck in high relief, extremely fine Ex NAC sale 64, 2012, 1109.

This is an outstanding example for the issue. MSG.

Although Julius Caesar was the first to bring Roman troops into Britain it wasn’t until the reign of Claudius that they were able to maintain a permanent settlement there. In AD 43 Claudius authorised an invasion led by Aulus Plautius. Claudius was only involved in a minor way but he did accept a triumph back in Rome. The senate voted to erect two arches to commemorate the conquest. One was installed in Gaul. A second was located on the Via Flaminia, the main road north of Rome. This issue glorifies that accomplishment and is a popular, but difficult, type (also found in silver issues). MSG.