Reproduction Aureus of Claudius and Agrippina

Obverse: Laureate head of Claudius right. Text around TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT PP.

Reverse: Draped bust of Agrippina right. Text around AGRIPPINAE AVGVSTAE.

History: After the assassination of Claudius' nephew Caligula by the Preatorian Guard in January 41AD, Claudius was hailed as the new emperor. He personally took part in the invasion of Britain in 43AD and in the capture of Colchester. Claudius planted the seeds of his future demise in 49AD when he married his niece Agrippina (Junior). In the three years to follow she pursued her own agenda by ensuring may honours were heaped on her son Nero. She played out her final hand to Claudius, serving him up a plate of poisonous mushrooms.

Date: Rome mint, 50-54AD

Diameter: 1.8cm