Tiberius, 14-37. Denarius (Subaeratus, 18 mm, 3.29 g, 6 h), a contemporary imitation. Irregular mint, imitating Lugdunum. TI CAESAR DIV[ F AV]GVSTVS Laureate head of Tiberius to right. Rev. [AVGVSTI F COS] DESIG PRINC IVVENT / [C L CAE]SAR[ES] Caius and Lucius standing facing, each togate and resting hand on shield; behind each shield a spear; between them, simpulum and lituus. BMC 519, Cohen 43, and RIC 207 (for the reverse prototype). Breaks in plating and the obverse struck off center, otherwise, very fine.


What an intriguing imitation: an obverse featuring Tiberius, likely modeled after the widely circulated Tribute Penny, paired with a prolific reverse from Augustus’s reign depicting his intended heirs, Gaius and Lucius Caesar. The blending of two iconic types from different reigns is not altogether unusual, yet this piece elevates it to another level by being a plated imitation.