Search


CNG Bidding Platform

Information

Products and Services



Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 
53, Lot: 51. Estimate $300.
Sold for $180. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

IONIA, Smyrna. 'Britannicus' Caesar. Died 55 AD. Æ 17mm (3.75 gm). Bare head of Britannicus (?) right / Nike flying right, holding trophy over her left shoulder. RPC I 2476; Klose XXXI; Lindgren & Kovacs 562. Fine, brown patina. ($300) The authors of RPC dispute Klose's identification of the head on this coin as Britannicus and identify it as Nero. Without an inscription, either is possible.

Britannicus was the son of the emperor Claudius and Messalina and was born about 41 or 42 AD. He was originally named Germanicus, but was renamed Britannicus in honor of his father's successful British invasion of 43. In 55, while dining with friends, he was poisoned and died. The murder was almost certainly ordered by Agrippina Junior, who wanted to clear the way for her son's succession to the throne.