Augustus Denarius with Countermark "S"

[kc]

Hello,

I would like to know what the countermark "S" on one of my Augustus Denarii was standing for.

I could imagine that it meant "Secunda", for the Legio Secunda Augusta, that was founded by Octavian.

Is that possible?


Regards
kc

[djmacdo]

It is possible, but is there any specific evidence that is so?  I think not.  It could just as well be the mark of some merchant named Secundus or any number of other things.  Augustan denarii often bear letters, usually incuse.  They are generally called Bankers' marks, but I do not think anyone really knows very much about them  Yous--relief in a rectangle--is unusual, but I do not know of any evidence bearing on its origin or meaning.

[kc]

OK, djmacdo, thank you for your opinion.

Regards
kc

[kc]

Do you beiieve that the coin is genuine?

Regards
kc

[djmacdo]

I am a little disturbed by what seems to be a bit of damage on the left side of the reverse on the rim, but I really do not know what is going on there.  I see nothing that shouts fake to me, but this is such a valuable coin, I would consider sending it to an expert if it were mine.