NCAPRThe countermark NCAPR was applied to numerous orichalcum coins of the reigns of Tiberius and Claudius. NCAPR is usually explained as "Nero Caesar Augustus Probavit" (probavit means approved) or "Nero Caesar Augustus Populo Romano." Varieties of this relatively common countermark are identified by various authors as applied in either Italy, Spain or Gaul. The countermark is not found on coins bearing the name or portrait of Caligula. Clearly any coins of Caligula that were still in circulation and collected for application of the countermark were picked out and melted down, in accordance with his damnatio, rather than being countermarked and returned to circulation. Excavations of the Meta Sudans and the northeastern slope of the Palatine Hill in Rome indicate that this countermark was applied for Nero's congiarium (distribution to the people) in 57 A.D. However, an NCAPR countermark has been found on a Vespasian dupondius which seems to indicate the N may refer to Nerva, not Nero.
| NCAPRThe countermark NCAPR was applied to numerous orichalcum coins of the reigns of Tiberius and Claudius, and some of Augustus. NCAPR is usually explained as "Nero Caesar Augustus Probavit" (probavit means approved) or "Nero Caesar Augustus Populo Romano." Varieties of this relatively common countermark are identified by various authors as applied in either Italy, Spain or Gaul. The countermark is not found on coins bearing the name or portrait of Caligula. Clearly any coins of Caligula that were still in circulation and collected for application of the countermark were picked out and melted down, in accordance with his damnatio, rather than being countermarked and returned to circulation. Excavations of the Meta Sudans and the northeastern slope of the Palatine Hill in Rome indicate that this countermark was applied for Nero's congiarium (distribution to the people) in 57 A.D. However, an NCAPR countermark has been found on a Vespasian dupondius which seems to indicate the N may refer to Nerva, not Nero.
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