Antonia Minor, patriarch of the Claudians, Gold Aureus (7.73 g), Augusta, AD 37 and 41. Rome, under Claudius, ca. AD 41-45. ANTONIA AVGVSTA, draped bust of Antonia right, wreathed with ears. Reverse: CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI, Antonia, as Constantia, standing facing, holding long torch and cornucopia. RIC 65; BN 12; BMC 109; Calicó 318. Extremely Rare. NGC grade Ch VF; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5. Edge cut. Value $15,000 - UP
Antonia was the younger daughter of Mark Antony and Octavia in 36 BC. In either 18 or 16 BC, she married Nero Claudius Drusus, to whom she bore three children: Germanicus, Livilla and Claudius. Although initially honored with the title of Augusta by her grandson, Caligula, she eventually fell out of favor with him, committing suicide in AD 37 possibly as a result. Her son Claudius reconfirmed the title on her posthumously in AD 41.
Ex Hirsch 193 (19 February 1997), 26; Ex H. Osborne O'Hagan Collection (Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 17 July 1908), 78.