Claudius I AE As – Minerva with Spear & Shield – Ancient Roman Bronze Coin, AD 41–54 M74

An original Ancient Roman bronze As of Emperor Claudius I, who ruled the Roman Empire from AD 41 to 54.

This classic Julio-Claudian bronze coin features the distinctive bare-headed portrait of Claudius on the obverse and Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare, on the reverse.

Obverse

Legend: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP ...

Bare head of Emperor Claudius facing left.

The surviving inscription identifies Claudius and records his imperial titles.

Reverse

Type: Minerva advancing right.

Minerva is depicted moving to the right while brandishing a spear or javelin in her raised right hand and carrying a round shield on her left arm.

The letters:

S C

appear across the field, representing Senatus Consulto, indicating the senatorial authority associated with the issue of Roman base-metal coinage.

Coin Details

• Empire: Roman Empire
• Emperor: Claudius I
• Reign: AD 41–54
• Denomination: As
• Metal: AE / Copper-Bronze
• Mint: Rome
• Obverse: Bare head of Claudius facing left
• Reverse: Minerva advancing right with spear and shield
• Reverse Mark: S C
• Period: Julio-Claudian Dynasty
• Possible Reference: RIC I 100 or RIC I 116, depending on the complete obverse titulature

Condition

Ancient circulated condition with substantial natural wear, surface deposits and brown-green patination.

Despite its age and surface wear, the portrait of Claudius remains clearly recognizable, while Minerva, her spear, shield and portions of the reverse design remain identifiable.

The coin displays the irregular surface and natural patina expected from an ancient bronze coin approaching 2,000 years of age.

The photographs show the actual coin offered.