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This modern replica of a Roman denarius honors Agrippina the Elder, a prominent figure in the Julio-Claudian dynasty, known for her resilience and influence during the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius in the early 1st century CE. The obverse features a detailed portrait of Agrippina, her hair intricately styled in the Roman fashion, with the inscription “AGRIPPINA M F MAT C CAESARIS” (Agrippina, daughter of Marcus, mother of Gaius Caesar), emphasizing her lineage as the daughter of Marcus Agrippa and her role as the mother of the future emperor Caligula. This coin design reflects the Roman tradition of using numismatics to elevate the status of imperial women, particularly during a time when the Julio-Claudian family sought to legitimize their rule through familial propaganda following the death of Germanicus, Agrippina’s husband, in 19 CE. The reverse bears the inscription “MEMORIAE AGRIPPINAE” (In Memory of Agrippina) and “S P Q R” (The Senate and People of Rome), alongside an image of a carpentum, a ceremonial mule-drawn carriage used in Roman funerary processions for honored women of the imperial family. This design commemorates Agrippina’s posthumous honors after her death in 33 CE, a period marked by political tension under Tiberius, who had exiled her due to her outspoken criticism of his rule. The carpentum, a rare motif on Roman coinage, underscores the Senate’s recognition of Agrippina’s legacy and her enduring popularity among the Roman people. This novodel piece, while not an original, offers collectors a tangible connection to the complex dynamics of Roman imperial politics and the significant role of women in shaping the early empire’s narrative.

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