Drachm - Claudius
| Issuer | Uncertain Cretan city (Cyrenaica and Crete) |
|---|---|
| Year | 41-54 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Drachm (1) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.21 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | I#969 , SvoronosCr#8 |
| Obverse description | Bare head of Claudius left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering |
ΤΙ ΚΛΑΥΔΙΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΕ ΓΕΡΜ ΑΡΧ ΜΕΓ ΔΗΜ ΕΞΟΥ ΥΠΑ (Translation: Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, chief priest, with tribunician power, consul) |
| Reverse description | Radiate head of Divus Augustus left; in the field, seven stars. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (41-54) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1056406490 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: Struck under Claudius (41-54 AD), this drachm from an uncertain Cretan city illustrates Roman imperial authority blended with local autonomy. While Rome centralized coinage, provinces like Crete, with Hellenistic traditions, continued issuing local silver. These coins, bearing the emperor's portrait, circulated regionally within the Cyrenaica and Crete administrative sphere, affirming loyalty and serving local economic needs. The "uncertain" attribution suggests a short-lived mint or lack of clear marks, highlighting provincial coinage diversity.
Artistry: The coin's artistry typically blends Roman imperial iconography with provincial Hellenistic influences. The obverse would feature a laureate Claudius, likely by a local engraver whose skill,