As - Claudius (IMP T VESP AVG REST S C; Minerva) (80-81) front As - Claudius (IMP T VESP AVG REST S C; Minerva) (80-81) back
As - Claudius (IMP T VESP AVG REST S C; Minerva) (80-81) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

As - Claudius IMP T VESP AVG REST S C; Minerva

 
Bronze 10.4 g 29 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Titus (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (79-81)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
80-81
Value
As = 1⁄16 Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
10.4 g
Diameter
29 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#251287
Rarity index
94%

Reverse

Minerva, draped, helmeted, advancing right, brandishing spear in right hand and holding round shield in left.

Script: Latin

Lettering: IMP T VESP AVG REST S C

Translation:
Imperator Titus Vespasianus Augustus Restituit, Senatus Consultum.
Supereme commander (Imperator) Titus Vespasian, emperor (Augustus), has restored [this coin], decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 10.25–10.58 g;
Diameter varies: 28–30 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Minerva on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Claudius. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, and was often depicted with an owl, which symbolized her association with wisdom and knowledge. The inclusion of Minerva on this coin may have been a way to emphasize the importance of wisdom and knowledge during Claudius' reign.