Congratulations kc, on acquiring such a wonderful coin.
The large
flan of a
sestertius was a perfect medium for
Tiberius to introduce
his new grandsons to the public, the bold design being a masterpiece of the die cutters art. As I read it, the cornucopias which the eye picks up first symbolizes the prosperity the twins will bring to
Rome. The
caduceus of Mercury, which is the second image noticed, represents a message from the god that trade and commerce will be
enhanced by the twins, and so explaining how the wealth expressed by the cornucopias will come into being.
Also, I believe the imagery plays on the fact that the brothers were twins. Twins
had a special place in
Roman Mythology, from
Romulus and
Remus to
Castor and
Pollux.
Tiberius was making the point that like twins of old, these imperial twins will be great benefactors in the future.
It is such a pity that twin sons of
Drusus and
Livia would never live to fulfil the promise of the iconic coin.
Best regards,
Steve