Tiberius. As Caesar, AD 4-14. Æ Sestertius (36.5mm, 26.12 g, 1h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck under Augustus, AD 10. VF.

CNG Feature Auction 132
Lot: 11.
Closing Date: May 19 2026 11:00 ET

The PLZ Collection, Bronze

Estimate: $ 7 500

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Tiberius. As Caesar, AD 4-14. Æ Sestertius (36.5mm, 26.12 g, 1h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck under Augustus, AD 10. TI CAESAR AVGVSTI F IMPERATOR V, bare head of Tiberius left / ROM ET AVG in exergue, the Great Altar of Lugdunum: altar enclosure with panels decorated with corona civica flanked by figures holding laurel branches; decoration along roofline; altar flanked by columns surmounted by statues of Victory standing vis-à-vis, each holding palm frond in left hand over left shoulder and wreath in right hand. RIC I 240 (Augustus); Lyon 99 (Augustus); BMCRE 572-3 (Augustus); BN 1737-40 (Augustus); cf. Elkins, Monuments Figure 66 (for rev. type). Brown surfaces. VF. Rare.

From the PLZ Collection. Ex Roma XVIII (29 September 2019), lot 1068.

The Altar of Lugdunum issues of Augustus and his designated successor, Tiberius, were struck circa AD 9-14. Nothing remains in situ of the Altar in modern Lyon; however, various fragments do survive, including the two columns seen on the coins. These were cut in half and reused, now as four columns, in the medieval 12th century church of Saint Martin d’Ainay, which still stands today. Altar fragments also have been found and are on display elsewhere in the city.

As with Augustus, this is the sole official Roman type that bears a traditional portrait of Tiberius in this largest bronze denomination (a couple of other sestertii bear full-length seated effigies of the emperor). Unfortunately for most collectors, Lugdunum sestertii of Tiberius usually display extensive wear and even circulation damage from chop marks and counterstamps. The type is so rare that an example, in any grade, only shows up once or twice a year. The present coin is attractive in hand and must be considered a top tier survivor of this important Tiberius sestertius.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session One – Lot 1-318 will be held Monday morning, 18 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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