51, Lot: 46. Estimate $200. Sold for $151. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

OCTAVIAN. 32-31 BC. AR Denarius (3.45 gm). Bare head of Octavian right; c/m: IMP VES in rectangle / CAESAR DIVI F, Mercury seated right, playing lyre. RIC I 257; CRI 401; RSC 61; c/m: Howgego 839. Fine; c/m VF. ($200)

See BMCRE Vol. II, pg. xvii where it states that this countermark is found "very rarely" on denarii from about 120 BC to the time of Augustus. "This shows us that the old silver coinage was fast wearing out, and prepares us for the action of Trajan in melting it down in 107."