Naville Numismatics Ltd.
Auction 50 23 Jun 2019
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In the name of Drusus, son of Tiberius Sestertius circa 22-23, Æ 34mm., 27.93g. Confronted heads of two little boys on crossed cornucopiae with caduceus between. Rev. Legend around SC. C 1. RIC Tiberius 42. Metal flaw on obverse, otherwise Good very fine 700
Attractive light brown tone, an almost insignificant metal flaw on obv., otherwise Good Very Fine.
Ex ACR sale 6, 2012, 750.
The crossed-cornucopiae design is familiar on ancient coinage, and here the cornucopias, grape clusters, grape leaves and pine cones seemingly allude to Bacchus or Liber in a reference to fecundity. In terms of dynastic appeal, the design boasts of the prosperity and fruitfulness of the Tiberian line, with the caduceus symbolizing Mercury as the messenger of the gods and the bringer of good fortune. Despite the hopefulness represented by this series of coins, tragedy struck on two fronts. The 'Tiberian dynasty' collapsed within months of its being announced when both Drusus and his son Germanicus Gemellus (the boy whose head is shown on the right cornucopia) died in 23. Poor fates awaited the remaining two members: Drusus' wife Livilla became increasingly associated with Tiberius' prefect Sejanus, and she died shamefully in the aftermath of his downfall in 31, and the second grandson, Tiberius Gemellus, survived long enough to be named co-heir of Tiberius with Caligula, but after Tiberius' death he was pushed into a subsidiary role and soon was executed by Caligula, who would not tolerate a second heir to the throne.
In addition, winning bids of EEC clients for this coin are subject to a 5% fee on hammer price as a reimbursement for import duty paid to HMRC.
Attractive light brown tone, an almost insignificant metal flaw on obv., otherwise Good Very Fine.
Ex ACR sale 6, 2012, 750.
The crossed-cornucopiae design is familiar on ancient coinage, and here the cornucopias, grape clusters, grape leaves and pine cones seemingly allude to Bacchus or Liber in a reference to fecundity. In terms of dynastic appeal, the design boasts of the prosperity and fruitfulness of the Tiberian line, with the caduceus symbolizing Mercury as the messenger of the gods and the bringer of good fortune. Despite the hopefulness represented by this series of coins, tragedy struck on two fronts. The 'Tiberian dynasty' collapsed within months of its being announced when both Drusus and his son Germanicus Gemellus (the boy whose head is shown on the right cornucopia) died in 23. Poor fates awaited the remaining two members: Drusus' wife Livilla became increasingly associated with Tiberius' prefect Sejanus, and she died shamefully in the aftermath of his downfall in 31, and the second grandson, Tiberius Gemellus, survived long enough to be named co-heir of Tiberius with Caligula, but after Tiberius' death he was pushed into a subsidiary role and soon was executed by Caligula, who would not tolerate a second heir to the throne.
In addition, winning bids of EEC clients for this coin are subject to a 5% fee on hammer price as a reimbursement for import duty paid to HMRC.