Claudius AR Cistophorus (DIANA EPHESIA, RIC I 119)

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.

Collection : Roman Imperial - the Julio-Claudians