🪙Roman Empire, Provincial, Ephesus, Claudius with Agrippina the Younger, 41-54 C.E., Bronze Unit
This bronze unit, minted in Ephesus, Asia Minor, between 41-54 C.E., depicts the conjoined busts of Emperor Claudius and Agrippina the Younger. This coin is a provincial issue, reflecting the significance of the city of Ephesus in the Roman Empire. Ephesus was home to the great Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and this coin pays homage to its rich cultural and religious heritage.
Obverse: The obverse side features conjoined busts of Emperor Claudius and Agrippina the Younger. Claudius, who ruled from January 25, 41 C.E. to October 13, 54 C.E., was the uncle and later the husband of Agrippina the Younger, who played a prominent role in Roman politics. Agrippina was the mother of Nero, sister of Emperor Caligula, and infamous for allegedly poisoning Claudius with mushrooms to ensure her son’s ascension to the throne.
Reverse: The reverse side depicts a stag standing, symbolizing the connection to the goddess Artemis (Diana), whose temple was the centerpiece of Ephesus. Stags were frequently depicted on Ephesus coins due to their association with Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and wilderness. This imagery connects the coin to centuries of tradition and the religious significance of the city.
Historical Context: This bronze unit weighs 5.2 grams and measures 19 mm in diameter. Ephesus was one of the most important cities in Asia Minor, both for its economic and religious significance. The coin reflects the influence of Claudius and Agrippina the Younger, as well as the deep-rooted traditions associated with the worship of Artemis, whose temple was a major cultural and religious landmark.
Condition: The coin is in Very Fine (VF) condition, with the portraits of Claudius and Agrippina clearly visible, along with the standing stag on the reverse. Despite its age, the coin’s details remain sharp, making it a desirable piece for collectors of Roman provincial coinage.
Significance: The coin not only commemorates the rule of Claudius and Agrippina but also highlights the importance of Ephesus and its religious traditions. The depiction of the stag links the coin to the temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world, making it an artifact of both political and cultural significance.
Authenticity Guaranteed: This bronze unit is guaranteed authentic, offering collectors and historians a genuine piece of Roman provincial coinage. Its depiction of Claudius, Agrippina the Younger, and the symbolic stag provides valuable insights into the history of Roman rule and the traditions of Ephesus.
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