Sale: CNG 64, Lot: 974. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2003.  Sold For $700. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

NERO CLAUDIUS DRUSUS, father of Claudius. Died 9 BC. Æ Sestertius (31.24 gm). Rome mint. Struck under Claudius, circa 42 AD. Bare head of Nero Drusus left; behind head, countermark: NCAPR in incuse rectangle / Claudius seated left on curule chair, holding branch; weapons and armor around. RIC I 109 (Claudius); BMCRE 210 (Claudius; with this countermark); Cohen 8. VF, mottled brown patina, some smoothing. ($500)

From the Paul McIlroy Collection.

This countermark, read 'Nero Caesar Augustus probavit', apparently was applied early in the reign of Nero when the senatorial mint was idle, probably as a confirmation that the particular Aes coin in circulation was authentic.