Episode V — Claudius and Agrippina Minor: Power Rebalanced
Claudius’ denarius featuring Agrippina Minor marks a striking development.
The obverse bears Claudius’ full titulature:
TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM P M TRIB POT P P.
The reverse names AGRIPPINAE AVGVSTAE, granting her the title Augusta. This is not a passive consort. Agrippina is publicly elevated, institutionally recognised.
For the first time, imperial marriage becomes visibly political on silver currency. The balance of power within the palace begins to show itself on coin dies.