Tiberius & Germanicus Gemellus. AD 19-37/8 and 19-23/4, respectively. Æ Sestertius (35.5mm, 26.94 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Tiberius, AD 22-23. Crossed cornucopia, each surmounted by the bareheaded bust of a boy facing one another; winged caduceus between / Legend around large S • C. RIC I 42 (Tiberius). Green patina, some red, smoothed. Good VF. Attractive portraits of the two children. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 358 (26 August 2015), lot 306; Classical Numismatic Group 90 (23 May 2012), lot 1441; Classical Numismatic Group 53 (15 March 2000), lot 1436.
This issue, commemorating the birth of twin sons to Drusus Caesar and his wife Livia Drusilla (Livilla), was part of the series issued in AD 22 to promote the imperial virtue and dynastic solidity of the second emperor's family. Tiberius Gemellus (meaning "twin") was made principal heir with his cousin Gaius (Caligula) upon the death of Tiberius. Within the year, however, Caligula had his cousin murdered.