RIC 829 Claudius, Restored by Domitian

Æ As, 10.89g
Rome or Thrace?, 81-82 AD
Obv: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P; Head of Claudius, bare, l.
Rev: IMP D AVG REST; S C in field; Minerva advancing right, holding spear and shield
RIC 829 (C2). BMC 512. BNC -.
Acquired from Rudnik Numismatics, June 2021.

Titus and Domitian struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. The restoration coinage was very briefly continued into the reign of Domitian after Titus's death in September 81. It is highly likely the only mint still producing the series under Domitian was an unidentified Thracian mint, although there is some stylistic ambiguity to be certain. This restored As of Claudius featuring Minerva on the reverse has some interesting Flavian connections: Vespasian completed the Temple to the Divine Claudius and Minerva was Domitian's patron deity. Symbolically a very important coin indeed!

Missing from the BN collection.