Frail, chronically ill, and suspected of mental deficiency, Claudius appeared the perfect puppet emperor for his ambitious wife and the Roman army. Nephew of Tiberius, he was literally dragged from hiding at the death of his mad nephew Caligula. Doubted by the Senate, he was the first emperor put in place by the army. His health improved dramatically upon elevation, and he proved both an able financial reformer and a capable general. When the army faltered, Claudius himself conducted the campaign to conquer Britain. He was probably poisoned by his second wife, mother of Nero, in frustration that he was not a puppet after all.
Given Claudius' maltreatment by Caligula and two politically ambitious and faithless wives, it is gratifying to see him portrayed on coins as healthy and strong. Reverses frequently feature the figure of Pax (peace) with a serpent-adorned cadeuseus (Mercury's symbol of health). Others show Messalina, sad tribute to his adulterous first wife.
![]() Roman Coin Claudius Gothicus Sear 3203 Ad 268 270 US $.99
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![]() Roman Empire Coin Claudius Gothicus 268 270 Ad US $25.00
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![]() Antonius Felix Procurator Under Claudius Coin 52 59 Ad US $45.00
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![]() Claudius I Minerva Old Ancient Roman Coin Large Ef US $142.50
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![]() Claudius Ii Gothicus Quinarius Death Issue Roman Coin US $142.50
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![]() Claudius Ae Quadrans Modius Sc Roman Coin US $50.00
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![]() Claudius Ae Quadrans Modius Large Sc Ef Roman Coin US $150.00
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![]() Ancient Roman Coin Claudius Ii Ant Gorgeous No Ric US $3.99
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![]() First Century Roman Coin Claudius 1 41 54 Ad29mm 9gr US $6.55
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![]() Slabbed Claudius Caesar C41 Ad 54 Ad Bronze Coin 2106 US $.01
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![]() Roman Coin Claudius As Liberty Reverse US $1.55
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![]() 41 54 Ad Claudius Ancient Roman Coin Fine US $49.99
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![]() 265 Ad Claudius Iigothicusbronze Folles Roman Coin US $1.55
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![]() Roman Coin Claudius Ii Gothicus Spes Avg US $3.11
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