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Claudius. AD 41-54. Æ Sestertius (34.5mm, 29.21 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 41-42. TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP, laureate head right / SPES AVGVSTA, S C in exergue, Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left. RIC I 99; von Kaenel Type 55 (unlisted dies); BMCRE 124-5; BN 165-7. Green patina. Patina broken in places. EF.
From the PLZ Collection, purchased from Antiqua. Ex Luc Giard Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 54, 24 March 2010), lot 336; Vinchon (20 November 1992), lot 175.
The illusion of Spes' sheer gown on this coin's reverse stands out as one of the most amazing examples of Roman engraving on a sestertius. (PLZ)
Spes, the goddess of hope and the future, makes her first appearance on a Roman Imperial coin with this issue, which itself, comes very early in the reign of Claudius. The appearance of Spes can relate to the emperor himself but it has a potential dual meaning, as this was also the year his son, Britannicus, was born.
With respect to the presently offered coin it should be noted that this issue portrays the idealized bust of Claudius. His coinage is somewhat evenly divided between the idealized and the realistic portrayal of his image. Here the likeness is “Augustan-like” and this was surely no accident. The historian Suetonius notes that Claudius, despite his often uncouth mannerisms, was regal in appearance, particularly when reclining.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.
CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session One – Lot 1-318 will be held Monday morning, 18 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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