The Roman Empire
Claudius, 41 – 54
Cistophoric tetradrachm, Ephesus 41-42, AR 11.36 g. TI CLAVD – CAES AVG Bare head l. Rev. DIAN – EPHE Frontal view of tetrastyle temple of Diana at Ephesus, her cult statue within with fillets hanging from her wrists, polos on her head; the temple stands on a podium of four steps and has a pediment decorated with figures. C 30. BMC 229. RIC 119. CBN 229. RPC 2222.
Undoubtedly the finest specimen known. A spectacular portrait of great style perfectly
struck in high relief and a wonderful iridescent tone. Virtually as struck and Fdc Privately purchased from Ed Waddell.

The cistophorus would be minted under Claudius for the first time since the great coinage of this denomination by Augustus. The Claudian mintages were nowhere near as extensive and the pieces that are seen usually show significant wear indicating that they circulated heavily. RIC indicates these issues may all be commemorative in nature and were not intended to be a regular coinage for the area. Of the cistophorus issues of Claudius there are four main types: Those including Agrippina (his wife); the issues dedicated to Artemis (Diana) and her temple, as here; the issues with ROM ET AVG temple reverses; and, late in his reign the issues identifying Nero as his successor. Of these types this is perhaps the rarest.

Artemis herself was the Goddess of the hunt but here probably refers to her role as Goddess of childbirth. RIC dates this coin likely to 41-42 AD based on the absence of titles in the legend and the fact the head is not laureate. Yet the ROM ET AVG issues of Pergamum are undated by RIC. These two types share an almost identical obverse design – both portraiture and legends. MSG.