Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 43-44 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.7 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC I#20, OCRE#ric.1(2).cl.20 |
| Obverse description | Head of Claudius, laureate, right |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P III (Translation: Tiberius Claudius Caesar, emperor (Augustus), high priest, holder of tribunician power for the third time.) |
| Reverse description | Battlemented wall enclosing praetorian camp; inside, soldier, holding spear, right; in front, aquila; behind, pediment with flanking walls |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
IMPER RECEPT (Translation: The supreme commander received [into allegiance].) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (43-44) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1014011890 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This denarius, issued 43-44 AD, falls within Claudius's reign (41-54 AD). Ascending after Caligula's assassination, Claudius faced legitimacy challenges. "IMPER RECEPT" (Imperator Receptus, "Emperor Received") commemorates the Praetorian Guard's acclamation, solidifying his rule. This era also marked the successful Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD, a significant military achievement bolstering Claudius's authority, making such coinage potent propaganda.
Artistry: Engravers remain anonymous for this era, yet this coin exemplifies the early Imperial Roman stylistic school, blending Hellenistic idealization with Roman verism. The obverse typically features a laureate portrait of Claudius, rendered with gravitas appropriate for his station. The reverse design, often depicting a Praetorian camp gate or military imagery, reinforces the "IMPER RECEPT" legend, visually acknowledging the Praetorian Guard's role in his accession and their loyalty, central to Claudius's imperial messaging.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 3.7 grams and measuring 19 millimeters, this denarius displays typical Roman minting characteristics. High-points susceptible to wear or strike weakness on the obverse include the hair within the laurel wreath and the emperor's cheek. On the reverse, architectural elements of the camp gate, standards, and small figures are often affected. A well-centered, sharply struck example, free from significant planchet flaws, is highly desirable, fully conveying the propagandistic message and intricate die details.