Object Description
A very fine Ancient Roman Imperial bronze sestertius, minted in Rome, under Claudius. The obverse presents the profile head of Claudius facing right. He is depicted clean-shaven, with the curls of his short hair surmounted by a laurel wreath, which trails down behind him. His facial features, including his long nose, closed lips and profile eye have been rendered naturalistically. The accompanying legend reads TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP, short for Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Imperator. This can be translated as Tiberius Claudius Caesar, emperor (Augustus), high priest, holder of tribunician power, supreme commander (Imperator). The reverse displays the goddess Spes, advancing to the left. In her right hand, she holds a flower, while in her left, she gathers and raises her skirt through which her legs are visible. The accompanying legend reads SPES AVGVSTA, which can be translated as venerable hope, with SC in the exergue, standing for Senatus Consultum, meaning decree of the senate.
Date: 41-50 AD