Nero Claudius Drusus
38 – 9 BC
Brother of Tiberius
Father of Germanicus & Emperor Claudius
Nero Claudius Drusus was the younger son of Livia by her first husband, Tiberius Claudius Nero. Drusus was born in 38 BC, shortly after his mother married Augustus. Augustus fell in love with Livia while she was pregnant. She, therefore, divorced her husband and married Augustus a few months before the birth of Drusus.
As the younger brother to Tiberius, Drusus married Antonia, the daughter of Mark Antony and Octavia (sister of Augustus). Drusus and Antonia had several children, one of whom was the favorite of the people, Germanicus. But it would be a son of Drusus who eventually became Emperor Claudius and was preceded by his grandson Caligula who also became Emperor of Rome.
After successfully campaigning in Germany, his son Germanicus was named for his father’s victories. Unfortunately, Drusus was killed by a fall from a horse during the summer of 9 BC.
Monetary System
Note: All the coins bearing his name and portrait were struck under his son, Emperor Claudius, who held the throne between 41 – 54 AD.
Mints: Rome
DENOMINATIONS
AU Aureus (DE GERM Triumphal Arch) (7.75 grams)
AU Aureus (two oblong shields crossed, spears)
AR Denarius (DE GERM Triumphal Arch) (3.66 grams)
AR Denarius (two oblong shields crossed, spears)
Æ Sestertius (had left) (26.66 grams)
Restoration Issue of Titus
Æ Sestertius (Extremely Rare)
Counterstamps
AE Sestertius (Counterstamped “BON” & “PRO”)
AE Sestertius (Counterstamped “PROB”)
AE Sestertius (Counterstamped “NCAPR”)
CONTEMPORARY COUNTERFEIT
AR Fourrée Denarius (Mule reverse from another emperor) (2.63 grams)
Æ Sestertius (barbarous imitation) (20.3 grams)
