Ancient Rome - 41-54 CE Claudius AR Denarius NGC XF

Claudius. 41-54 CE. AR Denarius. Struck at Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint in 46-47 CE. Obverse presents laureate head of Claudius right: TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P VI IMP. Reverse offers Pax-Nemesis advancing right, holding out fold of drapery below and holding a winged caduceus pointing down at serpent gliding right with head erect: AUGUSTAE. Piece features original light golden patina on both sides.

Bust of Claudius, Naples National Archeological Museum.

His lack of experience did not prevent him from being an efficient and accomplished administrator. An ambitious builder, Claudius constructed many new roads, aqueducts, and canals throughout the Empire. It was during his time in power that the Roman Empire began the successful conquest of Britain. Having taking a fancy to the law, he personally oversaw public trials, and issued as many as twenty edicts on a daily basis. However, he was perceived as vulnerable during his reign, especially by factions of the noble class. Forced to solidify his position, many senators paid with their lives so Claudius would remain in power. Such actions hurt his reputation among ancients historians, while more recent writers have revised the overall opinion of Claudius. It has been written by many that he was killed by his own wife. After his death at age 63 in 54 AD, he was succeeded as Emperor by his grand-nephew and adopted son, Nero.