P. Quinctilius Varus

Sale: CNG 81, Lot: 978. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2009.  Sold For $750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. Æ As (9.68 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck 10-7 BC. Laureate head right; c/m: ligate VAR in rectangular incuse / Front elevation of the Altar of Lugdunum, decorated with the corona civica between laurels and stylized figures; Victories on columns flanking. For coin: RIC I 230; Lyon 73; for c/m: Pangerl 52. Fine, iridescent brown patina, rough surfaces.

This countermark has been attributed to Varus, a kinsman of the emperor Augustus and the governor of Germania, who was annihilated with his legions in AD 9 at the Teutoberger Forest.