Watch List notes:

Valeria Messalina, third wife of Claudius (died 48 AD). AE 33 mm. Nicaea mint, Bithynia. C. Cadius Rufus procos, c. 47-48. Obv. MEΣΣAΛEINA ΣEBAΣTH NEA HPA. Draped bust of Messalina left. Rev. Γ KAΔIOΣ POYΦOΣ ANΘYΠATOΣ. Front view of building, with side walls showing; at top of building, NEIKAIEΩN. RPC Consolidated Supplement I-III (1992-2015) 2034/4 (this specimen as plate coin). Cf. RPC I 2034/1 (same obverse die, as plate coin) (ex Waddell 9.12.1982, lot 96). AE. g. 22.73 RRRR. Of the greatest rarity, only the fourth specimen known. Dark green patina with reddish hues. About VF/F.

The coin erroneously gives Messalina the title Augusta. She had acceptable dynastic stature, but Claudius, significantly had not allowed her to take the title Augusta, the ultimate mark of female dominion.

Provenance:
CNG 73, 13 Sept. 2006, lot 709.