Claudius Sestertius, Nero Claudius Drusus commemorative, 20th century reproduction, Klawans 2; for prototype cf. RIC I, 114. (primarily direct illumination)

20th century copy, Claudius for Nero Claudius Drusus (father of Claudius, died 14 BC), Rome mint imitation, 20th century cast, prototype of 50-54 AD.,
modern Sestertius reproduction (ø 35 mm / 19,70 g), bronze, axis coin alignment ?? (ca. 180°), filed edge,
Obv.: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P , laureate head of Claudius right.
Rev.: NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMAN IMP / S – C , triumphal arch surmounted by an equestrian statue of Nero Claudius Drusus right, between two trophies; the rider strikes downwards with spear in right hand.
Klawans 2 ; for prototype cf. RIC I, 114 ; BMC 188 ; CBN 212.

- wrong metal (bronze instead of brass)
- soft outlines
- casting bubbles, filed edge
- low weight
- irregular, partly uneven surface and other casting evidence.

Nero Claudius Drusus was the son of Livia and the senator Tiberius Claudius Nero. Before he was born his parents divorced so that Augustus could marry his mother. Unlike his older brother, the future emperor Tiberius whom Augustus disliked, the emperor doted on his younger stepson. In 13 BC Drusus was sent to govern Gaul, and while there he repelled an attack by a tribe of Germans who had invaded the province. Most of the following years until his death were spent on campaigns in German territory. First, he crossed the Rhine frontier and penetrated as far as the North Sea, subduing the Frisii. The following years saw him engaged against various confederations of the Chatti, Sicambri and Marcomanni. He died tragically in 9 BC from injuries he sustained when he fell from his horse while on campaign fighting the Marcomanni.
The Arch of Drusus that appears on the reverse of this coin and which commemorated his campaigns in Germania has not survived. Its precise location is not known.