Top Ten Contender: Claudius Cistophorus

[CPK]

Today I am thrilled to present one of my latest acquisitions – a type I’ve been wanting for years, not only for its artistry but also for its historical significance: a silver cistophorus of Claudius, struck in the great Asian city of Ephesus.

 

CLAUDIUS, AD 41-54
AR Cistophorus (27.39mm, 10.43g, 7h)
Struck AD 51. Ephesus mint
Obverse: TI CLAVD CAES AVG AGRIPP AVGVSTA, jugate busts of Agrippina Junior, draped, and Claudius, laureate, left
Reverse: DIANA EPHESIA, cultus-statue of the Ephesian Diana standing facing, with supports
References: RIC I 119 (R2), RCV 1888
Toned. A scarce and interesting dual portrait type. This coin was struck in the great provincial city of Ephesus in Asia Minor, around the time of the apostle Paul's visit as recorded in Acts 19. The reverse design depicting "Diana of the Ephesians" bears a powerful connection to the story of the riot that took place there in reaction to Paul's preaching against the worship of the goddess.

 

I’ve always liked the portrait style on these Ephesian coins – I think they are among the most artistic, expressive, and dramatic of all of Claudius’ coinage. But I wasn’t sure when, if ever, I would be able to acquire one, since they are fairly pricey and even a modest specimen often starts at $1k. I was also a little picky about the reverse type; I wanted one that depicted the statue of Diana. These, I believe, are a bit harder to come by than some of the other types. In any event, not too long ago I had the opportunity to bid on this coin, and to my surprise, I won it!

In addition to the portrait artistry (which as an added bonus, features the jugate busts of both Claudius and Agrippina II), this coin also fills an important spot in my sub-collection of coins associated with the travels of the apostle Paul. This coin was struck in Ephesus only a few years before Paul’s visit to that great metropolis as recorded in Acts 19. The reverse design, depicting the cult statue of Diana with the legend “DIANA EPHESIA” bears a powerful connection to the tumultuous events that took place during Paul’s visit:

“After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

“And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: so that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

“And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

“And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

“And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

“And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.” (Acts 19:23-20:1)

Thanks for looking, and please feel free to comment and/or post your own Claudius cistophori!

[Roman Collector]

Beautiful, @CPK Lovely toning! Absolutely a top 10 contender! 

[David Atherton]

An utterly fantastic coin! Such a beauty in many ways.

The pedantic in me has to ask - top ten of the year or in the collection? Inquiring minds want to know ... 

Congrats!

[CPK]

Thanks @Roman Collector and @David Atherton!

I was thinking of the year, but now that you mention it, the answer is probably both! 😉 

[ominus1]

,,THAT.....is a DANDEE!!...:)

[Nerosmyfavorite68]

Congratulations, that's a wonderful type!  That's an acquisition to be truly proud of.

[TIF]

Fantastic!!  Not sure I've seen the type before.  Want 😄

 

[CPK]

Thanks everyone! 🙂

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

Beautiful coin and thanks for the scriptural background...

[JayAg47]

That's a nice type, I remember seeing a similar Claudius Cistophore on oslo myntgalleri a while ago, but with a Vespasian countermark. If I hadn't had my focus on other coins, I'd have bought it. 

[Octavius]

What an absolutely stunning coin , and with Agrippina to boot! It's a center piece!

[AETHER]

Wow congrats. That's a great one.

[CPK]

Thank you all for the kind words!

@Ancient Coin Hunter I am somewhat surprised that this type doesn't get more recognition when it comes to coins related to the Bible. We all know about the "tribute penny" and the Tyrian Temple Tax shekel, but these Ephesian "DIANA" cistophori may be the only coins that actually have a connection in the design itself, in addition to the historical time/place of minting and circulation.

@JayAg47 That is interesting! I've seen a few Vespasian countermarks but never on a cistophorus.

@Octavius and @AETHER Thanks! 😊

[Nerosmyfavorite68]

It's much better than my abysmal aureus.  Yours is a really pleasant, bold fine.  The toning is also a nice feature.

[CPK]

4 hours ago, Nerosmyfavorite68 said:

It's much better than my abysmal aureus.  Yours is a really pleasant, bold fine.  The toning is also a nice feature.

Thanks! When I was looking around for the type I found only one that even remotely approached my price range, and that one was in considerably poorer condition...the obverse wasn't too terrible but the reverse was nearly illegible. I'm glad I held off, since I was able to obtain this one in much better condition for about the same price