This reproduction Aureus coin of Claudius is moulded directly from an original coin and is made from pewter that is 22ct gold plated.
Housed in specially designed packaging, the coin pack has images of Claudius and his fourth wife Agrippina as well as historical information about the coins and Claudius's life.
The Aureus coin depicts the Triumphal Arch that celebrates the conquest of Britain. The obverse depicts the bust of Claudius and the reverse DE BRITANN on a triumphal arch.
At the assassination of Caligula in January 41 AD, Claudius fled and hid behind one of the curtains in the palace. He was discovered by the Praetorian Guard who declared him emperor. The senate held out against Claudius for two days, before finally accepting him as emperor too.
Although he lacked a military reputation, Claudius sent Aulus Plautius with four legions to conquer Britain in 43 AD. He visited the island for 16 days, to preside over the capture of Colchester, the capital of the new province, and then returned to Rome in triumph.
When Claudius arrived in Britain he brought with him 30 war elephants. These were the first historically recorded elephants in northern Europe. Claudius died in October 54 AD after being poisoned, probably by Agrippina, and Nero became Emperor.
