Ancient, British and World Coins, Tokens, and Historical Medals

Drusus (d. AD 26), Sestertius, crossed cornucopiae, surmounted by heads of Drusus’ children, in saltire over caduceus rev. sc in centre, drvsvs caesar ti avg f divi avg n pont tr pot ii around (Sear 95; BMC 95; RIC (Tiberius) 42). About very fine (£250-280)

Drusus was the son and heir of Tiberius and his beloved first wife, Vipsania. Although possessing some ability, he was reputedly brutal and short-tempered and the sharpest of Roman swords were named after him. He fell out with the powerful and sinister prefect of the Praetorian guard, Sejanus, and struck him on one occasion. Sejanus’ revenge was to seduce Drusus’ wife Livilla and persuade her to slowly poison her husband, resulting in Drusus’ death