POPPAEA SABINA AND CLAUDIA, STRUCK FOR NERO BY AGRIPPA II, CAESAREA PANIAS
Hendin (GBC5 1270), RPC 4846, Good Very Fine, 20.2mm, 6.20 grams, Struck Circa. 63 - 68 C.E., Caesarea Paneas Mint
Obverse: DIVA POPPAEA AVG around distyle temple on a high base, Poppaea is seated to left within
Reverse: DIVA CLAVD. NER. F. around hexastyle temple, Claudia standing to left
A really nice example of this SCARCE and interesting type. And, unlike the great majority of these which are repatinated (often heavily) this coin has a wonderful natural patina!
This is the ONLY coin type ever issued in the name of Claudia, Nero's daughter, who died in infancy 63 C.E. His wife Poppaea is also named on the coin. She is described as a "god fearer" by Josephus. In fact she interceded with Nero several times on behalf of the Judaeans. It is logical that Agrippa a Jewish king would want to show her honor, of course in addition to his benefactor Nero.
