The Roman Empire
OB CIVIS SERVATOS – CL V – SIGNIS RECEPTIS
Cistophoric tetradrachm, Pergamum circa 19-18 BC, AR 11.47 g. IMP·IX·TR – PO V Bare head r. Rev. MART – VLTO Vexillum within domed circular temple. C 202. BMC 704. RIC 507. Sutherland Group VII. CBN 989.
Old cabinet tone, minor marks, otherwise about very fine Here is a reasonably priced coin of a very difficult type to find nice. In fact, I have never seen a great coin of this issue. It would appear that the dies were engraved in too high relief to strike up properly – and those that did strike well wore down very quickly. Oddly, for this otherwise common type it is never seen in mint condition. MSG.