409, Lot: 554. Estimate $150. Sold for $190. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Antonia Minor. Augusta, AD 37 and 41. Æ Dupondius (30mm, 14.50 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Claudius, AD 41-42. Draped bust right, wearing hair in long plait; c/m: NCAPR within rectanular incuse / Claudius standing left, veiled and togate, holding simpulum. RIC I 92 (Claudius); von Kaenel Type 59; for c/m: Pangerl 60. Host coin Fine, countermark VF, green and brown patina.

The N(ero) C(aesar) A(ugustus) PR(obavit) countermark is among the most common of first century AD. Find evidence points to an Italian origin. As Nero struck no bronze coinage at Rome before AD 62, it is thought that he countermarked coins of his predecessor for distribution to the populace, possibly for a grand congiarium in 57 AD. PR may also stand for P(opulo) R(omano) – "to the people of Rome" (see RIC I, p. 11).