Sale: Nomos 2, Lot: 171. Estimate CHF7500.  Closing Date: Monday, 17 May 2010.  Sold For CHF10500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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.

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.