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Roman Empire, Drusus, Son of Tiberius, Twin Sestertius
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Tiberius and Germanicus Gemellus Sestertius
Obv. Busts of two children on cornucopiae (Tiberius und Germanicus), between winged caduceus.
Rev. DRVSVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N PONT TR POT II, big S C in the center.
Mint: Rome, struck under Tiberius for Drusus, 22-23 AD.
33mm 27.23g
BMC 95; Coh. 1 (Drusus); RIC² 42.
Provenance:
Ex Künker, Auction 377, 20th October 2022, lot 5700.
Ex Salton Collection.
Ex Auction M. Etienne Bourgey, Paris 1923, No. 69.
Ex Auction Ars Classica 12, Luzern 1926, No. 2747.
This issue, commemorating the birth of twin sons to Drusus Caesar and his wife Livia Drusilla (Livilla), was part of the series issued under Tiberius in AD 22-23 to promote the imperial virtue and dynastic solidity of the emperor's family. Although Germanicus Gemellus died very young, his brother Tiberius lived into his adulthood, with the expectation that he would be heir to his grandfather following the premature death of his father, Drusus. In the later years of the emperor’s life, however, Gaius (Caligula) was often seen in close company with the emperor, while Tiberius Gemellus’ status was shrouded in obscurity. Thus after the death of the emperor, Caligula, assisted by the Praetorian Prefect, Macro, quickly moved to take the purple. Upon the reading of the deceased emperor’s will it was discovered that Tiberius intended for both Tiberius Gemellus and his cousin Gaius to be jointly elevated, and, moreover, that Gemellus was to be the senior partner. Under unknown authority, Caligula quickly had the will vacated, and, shortly thereafter, his cousin murdered (CNG).
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