Nero Claudius Drusus, died 9 BC. Aureus (Gold, 19 mm, 7.74 g, 3 h), Lugdunum, struck under Claudius, circa 41-42. NERO CLAVDIVS DRVSVS GERMANICVS IMP Head of Nero Claudius Drusus to left, wearing oak wreath. Rev. DE GERMANIS Two oblong Germanic shields, two trumpets and two pairs of spears crossed, in front of upright vexillum with waving flag. BMC 104 corr. (head laureate). Calicó 317c. CBN 7. Cohen 5 corr. (head laureate). Giard 24. RIC 73 corr. (head laureate). Rare and beautifully preserved, and excellent example of this prestigious issue. Minor marks, otherwise, good very fine.


When Octavian fell in love with Livia in 39 BC, she was pregnant by her first husband, Tiberius Claudius Nero, who, likely seeking to secure favor, agreed to divorce her. Drusus was born in early 38 BC, just months after his mother married Octavian, and he and his older brother, Tiberius, grew up in their stepfather’s household. As they came of age, Octavian - now Augustus - gradually entrusted his stepsons with important duties. When the Roman army launched a series of offensives against barbarian tribes in central and northern Germany between 12 and 9 BC, it was Drusus who led the charge. A skilled commander, he won multiple battles and pushed deep into enemy territory.

In 9 BC, the Romans reached the Albis (Elbe), but during the march home, Drusus fell from his horse and was fatally injured. To the profound grief of his stepfather, Augustus, he died shortly after. His brother, Tiberius - whom Augustus did not favor - retrieved his body in Germany. Yet despite Augustus’ reservations, Tiberius would eventually succeed him as emperor in 14 AD.

No coins were struck for Drusus during his lifetime, but his son, Claudius, issued a commemorative series in his father’s name after ascending the throne in 41 AD. By celebrating Drusus as the conqueror of the Germans, Claudius—often belittled for his stammer and physical impairments—sought to claim some of his father’s military prestige for himself. The reverse of this aureus features Germanic shields, trumpets, and spears arranged before a Roman vexillum, symbolizing Rome’s victory over its formidable Germanic foes.