This substantial bronze coin was minted in Spain during the early reign of Emperor Claudius I, who came to power unexpectedly after the assassination of Caligula. Unlike official issues from Rome, this provincial imitation was produced to address coin shortages in the western provinces.
Coin Description:
Front side: Bare head of Claudius I facing left with Latin inscription "TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG IMP P M TR P" (Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus, Imperator, Pontifex Maximus, holder of Tribunician Power)
Back side: Ceres (goddess of agriculture) seated left, holding wheat ears and a torch; inscription "CERES-AVGVSTA" around and "S C" (Senatus Consulto - by decree of the Senate) in exergue
Technical Details:
Bronze composition, weighing 16.36 grams
Dupondius denomination (worth 2 asses in the Roman bronze currency system)
References: Von Kaenel-1534, pl. 28 = BM-139; Glasgow-53, pl. 17
Provenance: From the Pobla de Mafumet hoard
Date: 41 CE, minted in Spain (unofficial provincial mint)
Condition: Not specified
Historical Significance:
This coin represents an interesting provincial imitation from Spain, produced early in Claudius's reign before official coins could reach the western provinces in sufficient quantities. The unusual legend format ending with "IMP P M TR P" rather than the standard "TR P IMP" makes this a rare variant, with only a few known examples. The Ceres imagery emphasizes the importance of agricultural prosperity in the provinces. Spanish provincial mints like this one at Pobla helped address practical economic needs in regions distant from Rome.
This substantial bronze coin was minted in Spain during the early reign of Emperor Claudius I, who came to power unexpectedly after the assassination of Caligula. Unlike official issues from Rome, this provincial imitation was produced to address coin shortages in the western provinces.
Coin Description:
Front side: Bare head of Claudius I facing left with Latin inscription "TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG IMP P M TR P" (Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus, Imperator, Pontifex Maximus, holder of Tribunician Power)
Back side: Ceres (goddess of agriculture) seated left, holding wheat ears and a torch; inscription "CERES-AVGVSTA" around and "S C" (Senatus Consulto - by decree of the Senate) in exergue
Technical Details:
Bronze composition, weighing 16.36 grams
Dupondius denomination (worth 2 asses in the Roman bronze currency system)
References: Von Kaenel-1534, pl. 28 = BM-139; Glasgow-53, pl. 17
Provenance: From the Pobla de Mafumet hoard
Date: 41 CE, minted in Spain (unofficial provincial mint)
Condition: Not specified
Historical Significance:
This coin represents an interesting provincial imitation from Spain, produced early in Claudius's reign before official coins could reach the western provinces in sufficient quantities. The unusual legend format ending with "IMP P M TR P" rather than the standard "TR P IMP" makes this a rare variant, with only a few known examples. The Ceres imagery emphasizes the importance of agricultural prosperity in the provinces. Spanish provincial mints like this one at Pobla helped address practical economic needs in regions distant from Rome.
