A.D. 41–54 Roman Bronze Quadrans of Claudius I

From The Deaf Emperor With A Limp

Here you have a bronze coin from the Ancient Roman Empire that was minted during the reign of Emperor Claudius I, who ruled from A.D. 41–54. This is the same historical figure whose life served as the basis for the groundbreaking television miniseries I, Claudius that aired in 1976. The 13-episode series is frequently cited as one of the best television shows in history as well as being a precursor to the vast array of mini-series that dominate today’s streaming services.

The Roman Empire’s Smallest Denomination

This hammered coin is known as a Quadrans, which was the smallest denomination of Roman coinage at the time. The coin’s obverse shows a Modius on three legs along with a legend that reads: “TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG,” which translates to “Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus.” A modius was a Roman measurement of a commodity like wheat that was equivalent to a quarter of a modern bushel—highly symbolic since this coin was literally a quarter of a Roman bronze As. The coin’s reverse has been engraved with a legend that reads, “PON M TR P IMP COS DES IT,” which translates to “High priest, holder of tribunician power, supreme commander, consul elect for the second time.” The reverse legend surrounds the letters S & C, which means that the value of the coin was supported by the decree of the Senate “Senatus Consulto.”

Emperor By Process Of Elimination

Physically weak and unattractive, Claudius walked with a limp and was partially deaf—afflictions that were the result of childhood illnesses. While those infirmities would have worked against most people, they may have actually spared Claudius from the fate suffered by many others during the purges throughout the reigns of Tiberius and Caligula, as he was not seen as a serious threat. Overlooked for public office until his uncle, Emperor Caligula, was assassinated, Claudius suddenly found himself declared Emperor by the Praetorian Guard as he was the last adult male of his family!

Despite his unexpected rise to power and initial unpopularity, Claudius proved to be an effective ruler. He expanded the Roman Empire by conquering Britain and made significant reforms to the government, legal system, and public works. This was all accomplished despite a personal life that was continually beset by drama from the women in his life. He was married four times and was engaged to two other women—the first engagement was broken due to political reasons and the second betrothal ended when his intended bride died on their wedding day. None of his wives ever seemed to have his best interests in mind.

The Problematic Wives Of Claudius I

Claudius divorced first wife after he caught her cheating on him and disavowed the child that was born soon after. He divorced his second wife because she was a nagging shrew and, once she became a political liability, he quickly divorced her. His third wife was a raging nymphomaniac who once made a bet with a prostitute about who could take more lovers in a single evening. She married one of her lovers without letting Claudius know that she had divorced him. He later had her executed. His fourth and final marriage in A.D. 49 was to his widowed niece Agrippina the Younger, who brought a 12-year-old son from her previous marriage to the union. Agrippina was ambitious and influential, wielding considerable power. Claudius soon fell under her thumb and bowed to her desires and adopted her son to be his heir.

Agrippina was clearly more interested in elevating her son than advancing her husband’s career. In fact, many historians believe that Agrippina poisoned Claudius in A.D. 54 to secure the succession of her son, who was nonother than the infamous Emperor Nero, he of the “fiddled-while-Rome-burned” fame. Agrippina’s efforts proved all for naught because once Nero came to power, he quickly asserted his authority and had his mother murdered, which represented the start of one of the most tyrannical, self-indulgent, and debauched reigns in the history of the Roman Empire.

At least 1,969 years old, this Quadrans is a must-have for your collection of ancient coins. Act now!