Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Claudius 73

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Claudius 73. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Claudius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Nero Claudius Drusus, laureate, left, with the legend NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP.

The reverse shows two shields, two pairs of spears, two trumpets, all crossed; behind; vexillum with flag which is still or waving, with the legend DE GERMANIS.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
7
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Claudius ruled the Roman Empire from AD 41 until his death in AD 54 as the fourth ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Born at Lugdunum in Roman Gaul, he was the son of Drusus the Elder and Antonia Minor. Following the assassination of Caligula, Claudius was declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard, serving as an able administrator who helped restore imperial finances.

Struck at the Rome mint, this gold coin represents the aureus, which served as the primary gold denomination of ancient Rome from the 1st century BC until the early 4th century AD. Standardised during the imperial era, the denomination was valued at 25 silver denarii or 100 sestertii. The coin commemorates the emperor's father, presenting the portrait of Nero Claudius Drusus alongside the inscription "NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP". The reverse displays military equipment, including crossed shields, spears, trumpets, and a vexillum, accompanied by the legend "DE GERMANIS".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Claudius

Design

Obverse
Head of Nero Claudius Drusus, laureate, left
Reverse
Two shields, two pairs of spears, two trumpets, all crossed; behind; vexillum with flag which is still or waving
Obverse legend
NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP
Reverse legend
DE GERMANIS

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Claudius 73
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP
Reverse legend to match
DE GERMANIS
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference