NumisBids
  
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 111  29 May 2019
View prices realized

Lot 482

Estimate: 200 USD
Price realized: 275 USD
Find similar lots
Share this lot: Share by Email
GERMANIA INFERIOR. Æ As (25mm, 8.02 g). Countermarks applied during the reign of Tiberius, AD 14-37. VAR(?) monogram in rectangular countermark on an as of Augustus. Pangerl 52. Host Fair, c/m VF, rough brown surfaces, several small cuts.


From the Richard Baker Collection.

This countermark is traditionally attributed to P. Qunctilius Varus, Augustus' famed general and governor of Germania, who suffered a devastating defeat when legions under his command were annihilated in the Battle of Teutoberger Forest. However, Martini (Pangerl p. l [for English version]) notes the existence of one example of this countermark applied over a Tiberian TIB stamp from Gaul, indicating that this type must date to after the defeat of Varus. Other suggested interpretations of the monogram include LAP (Legatus Augusti [pro] Praetori), AVR(elius), or V(ictoria) A(ugusta) R(omana), or that it does indeed refer to Governor Varus, but as some sort of posthumous commemorative. None of these explanations are particularly convincing. See Pangerl p. xlvii-li for a detailed discussion of the countermark and its context.
Question about this auction? Contact Classical Numismatic Group, LLC