SPAIN. Uncertain mint in North-Western (?) Spain. Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. As (Bronze, 28 mm, 7.54 g), c. 27-23 BC. [IMP AVG DIVI F] bare head of Augustus to left; [before, palm; behind, winged caduceus]; countermark: incuse linear head of an eagle. Rev. Round celtiberian shield enclosed by two concentric circles which are connected by a series of short straight lines. ACIP 3302a. RPC I 4. SNG Copenhagen 414 (none with countermark). For countermark, Howgego -. Apparently unpublished with this countermark. Some corrosion and flaking to patina, otherwise, host coin fair, countermark fine.


The eagle's head countermark exists in many variations, but always as an incuse, linear design. It often occurs on civic issues from various mints mostly from the Tarraconensis, where it was most likely applied during the last years of Tiberius' reign, and was perhaps connected to military activities. However, this is apparently the first coin from the enigmatic North-Western mint (perhaps Lucus Augusti (present day Lugo, Galicia)?) to bear the countermark.