Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 509 9 Feb 2022
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
MOESIA & THRACE. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 24.49 g, 1h). Countermarks applied under Nero, 54-68, and Galba, April–June AD 68. GALBA and in rectangular countermark on a sestertius of Divus Augustus. Pangerl 86 for Galba; Pangerl –; Martini 1.4012 for Nero. Dark green patina, spots of roughness and deposits, cleaning scratches. Host Poor, c/m's VF.
From the Richard Baker Collection.
The extremely rare (NE)R•C•(IMP) countermark is known to Martini from only two examples. While he interprets it as a stamp of Nero, and even hypothesizes it to be an unskillfully copied NCPAR, the collector believes it to be a stamp of Nerva. We note that it is much more clearly and deeply impressed than the GALBA stamp on both this and the specimen illustrated by Martini. This may be a result of the GALBA stamp being applied in higher relief areas more prone to wear. The debate could be ultimately settled if an example were found with one countermark applied over the other.
From the Richard Baker Collection.
The extremely rare (NE)R•C•(IMP) countermark is known to Martini from only two examples. While he interprets it as a stamp of Nero, and even hypothesizes it to be an unskillfully copied NCPAR, the collector believes it to be a stamp of Nerva. We note that it is much more clearly and deeply impressed than the GALBA stamp on both this and the specimen illustrated by Martini. This may be a result of the GALBA stamp being applied in higher relief areas more prone to wear. The debate could be ultimately settled if an example were found with one countermark applied over the other.