★ Ex Naville sale 40, 2018, 642. ★

Claudius, 41-54 Cistophoric tetradrachm Ephesus (?) circa 41-54, AR 26.00 mm., 10.30 g.
Bare head l. Rev. Distyle temple within which Claudius stands facing, on l., holding spear and globe, being crowned by female figure standing facing on r., holding cornucopiae in l. hand. C 3. RIC 120. RPC 2221.

Rare, Good Very Fine/Very Fine.

Ex Naville sale 40, 2018, 642.

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