CLAUDIUS (41-54). Denarius. Lugdunum.

Obv: TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P VI IMP XI.
Laureate head right.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE.
Pax-Nemesis advancing right, holding winged caduceus pointing down at snake to right.

RIC² 39 (Rome).

The reverse type of this rare Denarius may be related to Claudius' expedition to Britain beginning in 43 AD, when the depiction of Nemesis on his coins also began. The emperor placed Aulus Plautius in command and traveled overland to Marseille, then sailed to Britain, where he crossed the Thames and took part in the capture of Camulodunum, obtaining the surrender of several local leaders. He then returned to Rome and celebrated a magnificent triumph in 44. Nemesis was the goddess of justice and vengeance, daughter of Nyx (Night). She ensured that anyone guilty of a crime would inevitably be punished. The etymology of the name is connected to the verb meaning “to divide,” linking her vengeance to a principle of distributive justice. Nemesis, usually depicted as a winged woman, was often associated on Roman coins with figures such as Aeternitas and Fortuna, emphasizing the role of divine justice, legitimization of power, and celebration of security. The connection with Pax in this case, also mentioned in the legend PACI AVGVSTAE, could be a reference to Claudius punishing the hubris and arrogance of the local tribes and establishing peace in Britannia.

Condition: Extremely fine.

Weight: 3.61 g.
Diameter: 20 mm.