Sestertius of Nero Claudius Drusus

Sestertius of Nero Claudius Drusus, bronze, struck at Rome under the reign of Emperor Claudius, 41-50 CE. Denomination: sestertius; metal: orichalcum bronze; weight: 26.50 g; diameter: 35 mm. Obverse legend NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP with bare head of Drusus left. Reverse legend TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P shows the seated figure of Claudius, togate on a curule chair set upon a globe over captured arms, holding an olive branch and scroll. Strike is high-relief, centring usually complete, fields often display light brown to green patination typical of mid-first-century orichalcum. Reference: RIC I² Claudius 93.

Issued shortly after Claudius's accession, the type honours his deceased brother Nero Claudius Drusus, a celebrated general of the early empire. By placing his own image on the reverse amid symbols of victory and peace, Claudius linked his new regime to Julio-Claudian military success and imperial legitimacy, reinforcing continuity during the transition of 41 CE.