Lot 4991

Description

Claudius, (A.D. 41-54), gold aureus, Rome or Lugdunum mint, issued A.D. 41-42, (7.72 grams), obv. laureate head of Claudius to right, around TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG GERM PM TR, rev. EX SC/ OB CIVES/ SERVATOS in three lines all within oak-wreath, (S.1831, RIC 15, Calico 356, C.34). Striking portrait, extremely fine and very rare.

Stevenson, in his Dictionary of Roman Coins notes that the OB CIVIS SERVATOS legend occur on many coins, in gold, silver and brass, from the time of Augustus. The legend appears within a crown of oak leaves, or around a votive shield, sometimes inscribed S.P.Q.R. This more frequently occurs after Augustus had caused the Roman citizens made prisoner in Parthia to be restored to liberty in the year of Rome 734, as may be seen on the coins of Aquilius, Caninius Durmius, and Petronius, who about that period were monetal III Viri at Rome. ’This reverse (observes Eckhel), which makes its first appearance under Augustus, was frequently revived by succeeding Caesars, not often careful about whether such praise could truly be bestowed upon them.’ For example, the words EX S. C. OB CIVES SERVATOS inscribed with a laurel crown forms the legend of the reverse of issues of Claudius, as if that most indolent and apathetic, if not most stupid, of Emperors ever did an heroic or humane action to merit the eulogy conveyed in this senatus consultum, (Eckhel’s comment).