80
nomos . . . . . . auction 2, zürich 18 may 2010
171
171. 2:1
Tiberius. AD 14-37. Aureus (Gold, 7.79 g 10), Lugdunum, circa 14-17. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS Laureate head of Tiberius to right. Rev. PONTIF MAXIM Livia, wearing robes and holding a branch in her right hand and a long scepter in her left, seated to right on a simple, undecorated throne above a double line. BMC 30. Calicó 305e. Cohen 15. RIC 25. An attractive, bold example, with an expressive portrait and fine toning. Good extremely fine. 7500 From the Patrick H. C. Tan Collection.
The gold coinage of Tiberius must have been enormous. It was struck in the great branch mint of Lyon and was, as a class, one of the most used gold coinages in Roman history. These pieces are found all over the Empire and beyond - they were very popular in India where they were imported as payment for the spices and luxuries the Romans craved. Nevertheless, the fact that these coins were so popular means that they were also extensively used and many lasted in circulation until at least the 2nd century AD. Thus, a lovely piece like this, so well centered on the obverse and in such fine condition, is not at all common.
172
172.
Caligula. 37-41. Denarius (Silver, 3.64 g 6), Rome, 40. C.CAESAR.AVG. PON.M.TR.POT.III.COS.III Laureate head of Caligula to right Rev. S.P.Q.R. / P.P /OBC.S. within oak wrreath. BMC -. Cohen 21. RIC 28. Very rare. A lovely example, sharp and particularly attractive, Good extremely fine. 15,000
3:1
The coinage of Caligula has always been popular, probably because of the emperor’s notoriety, so well known from ancient sources. His reign began well, since his predecessor Tiberius had become very unpopular during his later years. However, seven months after his accession to the throne Caligula fell seriously ill and while he recovered, his personality seems to have changed. He became every more extreme, cruel and bizarre. A variety of medical explanations have been adduced for this, the most likely being a form of lead poisoning. Like many of the Julio-Claudians he was quite handsome, but his later portraits do, at least with the benefit of hindsight, seem to show signs of his reputed insanity.
173
173.
3:1
Nero. 54-68 AD. Denarius (Silver, 3.57 g 6), Rome, 64-65. NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS Laureate head of Nero to right. Rev. IVPPITER CVSTOS Jupiter seated to left on throne, holding thunderbolt in his right hand and long scepter in his left. BMC 74. Cohen 119. RIC 53. An attractive piece, well struck on a broad flan. Extremely fine. 2500