Tiberius Claudius Nero Germanicus was proclaimed emperor in AD 41 by the praetorians who had conspired to kill Caligula. For the first time imperial succession took place independently of senatorial influence. Claudius assumed the name of Caesar to emphasise his relationship with the Julio-Claudians. From this period on the name of Caesar became standard part of imperial titelature. In AD 44 Claudius completed the invasion of Britain. He was married to Messallina whose infidelity resulted in her execution in AD 48. Claudius then married Agrippina and adopted Nero in AD 50. Claudius died in AD 54, allegedly from poisoning.
Realistic coin portraits usually depict Claudius with gaunt features and a retreating chin. This coin comes from a series minted after AD 50 when the obverse legend included his title pater patriae.