Lot 2117

Description

Claudius, (A.D. 41-54), AE sestertius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 41-50, (30.69 grams), obv. laureate head of Claudius to right, around TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG PM TR P IMP, rev. wreath with legend in four lines, EX SC OB CIVES SERVATOS, (S.633, RIC 96, C.39, BMC 115). Superb extremely fine with flawless brown patina with touches of green, and probably the finest known.

A choice Julio-Claudian portrait of the finest style of the period. The engraver has communicated in this portrait the `certain majesty and dignity of presence' which Suetonius ascribes to the emperor. Indeed Claudius was an excellent emperor, and he has been unfairly critized by ancient and modern historians alike, who have ignored the achievements of his reign.