Claudius, 41-54. Cistophorus 41-42, Ephesus or Pergamon. TI CLAVD CAES · AVG Bare head left / COM - ASI Temple with two columns, containing figure of Claudius on the left, holding spear in right hand, being crowned by female figure on the right, holding cornucopia in left. On frieze: ROM ET AVG. 11,50g. Cohen 3; RIC 120. A spectacular specimen of beautiful style. Good extremely fine. Provenance: Sternberg VIII (16-17 November 1978), 476. Vinchon (25 November 1994), 404. Privately purchased from NGSA in 2008. Baron Lorne Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection. More than sixty years after the remarkable cistophori of Augustus, the Romans once again minted cistophori in Asia Minor under Claudius, likely intended for commemorative purposes rather than general circulation. This magnificent cistophorus depicts either the Temple of Roma and Augustus at Pergamum or the Temple of Diana at Ephesus, reflecting the close connection between imperial power and the great religious centers of Asia Minor.