2021-06-23 Wed

Classical Numismatic Group offered in its May auction a bronze Roman Provincial coin that features a friendship alliance during the Roman Period. The coin was struck by Agrippa I between A.D. 43 and 44.

Agrippa-I had a close relationship with both Gaius (Caligula) and Claudius. This remarkable and rare issue not only explicitly refers to the alliance but depicts the oath-taking ceremony that occurred in the Roman Forum and is discussed in historical sources.

The coin features a complex pictorial narrative. The obverse shows Claudius, wearing a toga, standing left, pouring libation over a small altar, between Agrippa I and Herod of Chalcis, each crowning the emperor with a wreath. The reverse displays text referring to a vow and treaty of friendship and alliance between the Great King Agrippa and Augustus Caesar, the Senate and the People of Rome with clasped right hands in the center.

This coin was sold for USD 13,200 at a CNG auction held in May 2021.

Coin Image: coinarchives.com