A Distinguished Collection of Roman Bronze Coins, the Property of a Gentleman

Roman Imperial Coinage (incorporating Provincial Issues), Livia, Dupondius, Rome, 22-3, diademed and draped head of Justitia right, ivstitia, rev. ti caesar divi avg f avg tr pot xxiiii, large s c in field, 15.38g (RIC Tiberius 46; BMC Tiberius 79; C 4; Sear 1739). Of fine style, well-centred, nearly extremely fine, dark patina, rare £800-1,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Distinguished Collection of Roman Bronze Coins, the Property of a Gentleman.

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Provenance: R. Carfrae Collection, Sotheby Auction, 8-11 July 1901, lot 273; F. McClean Collection, Sotheby Auction, 13-19 June 1906, lot 661 (part); L. Vierordt Collection, Schulman Auction 139 (Amsterdam), 5 March 1923, lot 667; R. Laughlin Collection, Adolph Hess Auction 221 (Lucerne), 18 December 1933; bt Spink December 1939.

One of a series of nine bronzes issued by Tiberius c. 22-3. The three coins showing female portraits were all traditionally attributed to Livia. However, that on the current piece is now believed to represent the justice Tiberius achieved against Piso after the death of his heir Germanicus in 19. Of the other two, the Pietas type is believed to be Drusus’s wife Livilla while the Salus Augusta dupondius is still thought to portray the emperor’s mother