Reproduction Aureus of Claudius - De Britann

Obverse: Laureate bust of Claudius right. Text around TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG PM TR P VI IMP XI (IMP XI - imperator eleven times refers to Claudius’ victories in Britain).

Reverse: DE BRITANN on architrave of triumphal arch surmounted by equestrian statue of Claudius riding left between two trophies (groups of shields and armour). Claudius is extending his right hand and holds a spear in his left.

History: In AD 43 Claudius himself led an invasion of Britain in an aim to gain military fame. He vanquished the Britain’s but only remained on the island for seventeen days. Two triumphal arches were built to celebrate Claudius’ conquest, one in Gaul and another in Rome. The arches were erected by the Roman Senate and the People because Claudius had received the surrender of eleven British kings defeated without loss and brought barbarian peoples beyond the Ocean for the first time under the rule of Rome. This coin depicts an image of the triumphal arch in Rome and celebrates the conquest of Britain.

Date: Rome mint 46-47 AD

Diameter: 1.8cm