CAPPADOCIA. Caesaraea-Eusebia. Claudius, 41-54. Didrachm (Silver, 21 mm, 7.15 g, 12 h), circa 46-48. TI•CLAVD•CAESAR• AVG•GERM•P•M•TR•P Laureate head of Claudius to left. Rev. DE BRITANN[IS] Claudius driving slow quadriga to right, holding reins in his right hand and scepter in his left. Ganschow 40. RPC I 3625. Sydenham, Caesarea, 55. A very attractive example, well struck and nicely centered and with a portrait of fine style. Very light deposits, otherwise, very fine.

The reverse of this handsome coin depicts Emperor Claudius driving a quadriga—a chariot drawn by four horses - moving to the right. He holds the reins and whip in his left hand, while resting his right on the side of the ornamented cart. Although engraved in miniature, the figure of the emperor is rendered with a degree of realism, featuring strong facial details that remain fairly clear. The legend in the exergue, DE BRITANNIS, refers to Claudius’ conquest of the province of Britannia - far from southern Asia Minor, where this coin was minted. Likely serving as imperial propaganda, the coin reminded the people of Cappadocia (and, especially, the regional armies) that Claudius was not only a successful ruler and conqueror but one who personally extended the Roman Empire’s reach into the distant western provinces