ROMAN. Antonia Minor. Augusta, A.D. 37 and 41. Bronze Dupondius (13.51g). Rome mint. Struck under Claudius, A.D. 41-42. Draped bust right, wearing hair in long plait / Claudius, togate, standing left, holding simpulum. RIC I 92 (Claudius); von Kaenel Type 59; for c-m: Pangerl 60. gVF. An amazing tan river toning with a very attractive portrait. This dupondius links a powerful Roman woman to the new emperor who owed her everything. Antonia Minor, daughter of Mark Antony and Octavia and mother of Claudius, was only granted the title Augusta after her death, when Claudius came to the throne in A.D. 41. Struck at Rome in A.D. 41-42, this coin shows her draped bust with the characteristic long plaited hair, a sober and dignified image of the matron at the heart of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. On the reverse, Claudius appears togate, holding a simpulum, a small ritual ladle, presenting himself as a pious priest-emperor who honours his mother while asserting his own religious authority. Together, the portrait of Antonia and the standing figure of Claudius make this piece a quiet but eloquent statement of family, legitimacy, and gratitude at the beginning of his reign. From the Titan Collection; previously from the celebrated Buddy Ebsen Collection, formed by the American actor and The Beverly Hillbillies star, a noted connoisseur of rare United States gold who co-founded the Beverly Hills Coin Club, sold by Superior Galleries, June 1987, lot 4380.

Estimate: AUD 1500