Nero Claudius Drusus, plated Denarius

Denarius (19mm, 2.35g) (Plated/Fouree/Subaeratus) of RIC Claudius 70, likely minted contemporarily. Depicting Nero Claudius Drusus (b. 38/d. 9 BC), who was Tiberius's brother, and a stepson of Augustus. Apparently scarce, one of 4 plated denarii of this type in acsearch.

Per RIC Volume 1 page 115, given the relative abundance of the fourees (against comparatively scarce official silver) minted under the reign of Claudius which also had good style, its possible the imperial government implicitly condoned their existence. For the fouree minted Claudius, the discussion to which to imperial apparatus was aware/involved appears to be an ongoing one. Stretching their silver supply for the invasion of Britain? Or perhaps some talented die makers found a new source of income. The appearance of bankers marks on many claudian silver/fouree at least shows many were aware of this.