EGYPT, Alexandria. Claudius, with Messalina. AD 41-54. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 12.78 g, 12h). Dated RY 6 (AD 45/6). Laureate head right; L ς (date) before / MEΣΣAΛINA KAIΣ ΣEBAΣ, Messalina, veiled, standing left, leaning on column, holding two children and grain ears; to left, lituus. Köln 88 var. (without lituus); Dattari (Savio) 130; K&G 12.55; RPC I 5165; Emmett 74.6. Light porosity, reverse deposits. VF. Very rare.
From the Conti Collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk.
Emmett rates this type R1, his most common rating, however, recent sale records would contradict this. There are only three of this type recorded in RPC with another two in CoinArchives. While the general type seems to be common, this final year issue with the lituus appears to be quite rare.