Sale: CNG 60, Lot: 1519. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2002.  Sold For $1850. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GAIUS CALIGULA and DIVUS AUGUSTUS. 37-41 AD. AR Denarius (3.61 gm). Struck 37-38 AD. Lugdunum mint. Laureate head of Caligula right; c/m: IMP VES ligate within rectangular incuse / Radiate head of Divus Augustus right. RIC I 16; BMCRE 17; RSC 2; c/m: Howgego 839; see BMCRE vol. II, pg. xvii where it is mentioned that the countermark is found on denarii from about 120 BC to those struck under Augustus. Coin VF, c/m Fine. ($1500)

The countermark on this issue indicates the continued use of older coins in circulation and the occasional need to identify them as acceptable media of exchange. Subsequently, there was a general recall of worn issues by Trajan in 107 AD. See lots 1472 and 1577 for other coins countermarked under Vespasian.