Sale: CNG 67, Lot: 1314. Estimate $5000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2004.  Sold For $5000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BRITANNICUS, son of Claudius and Messalina. Died 55 AD. Æ Sestertius (28.36 gm). Thracian mint. Struck under Titus, circa 80 AD. Bare-headed and draped bust left / Mars advancing left, holding spear and shield. RIC I pg. 130, note; von Kaenel, "Britannicus, Agrippina Minor und Nero in Thrakien," SNR 63 (1984), Type B, 5 (same dies); BMCRE 226 (Claudius); Cohen 2. Near VF, mottled red and olive patina, light smoothing in fields. Extremely rare. ($5000)

From the Michael Weller Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 115 (5 March 2002), lot 1490.

INTRO TO LOTS 1314-6

Latin coins (sestertii and dupondii) in the name of Britannicus, Agrippina Jr., and the young Nero have been found localized in the Balkan region, and were most likely struck at a local mint servicing the legions guarding the border. The missing S C is consistent with a provincial issue not issued under the nominal authority of the Roman Senate. RPC I proposed Perinthus as a mint, though always prefacing any opinion with "if any of them are genuine." Since that volume's publication, more examples from the Balkans have appeared on the market, all of which clearly appear genuine.