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Tiberius & Germanicus Gemellus. AD 19-37/8 and 19-23/4, respectively. Æ Sestertius (33.5mm, 25.22 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Tiberius, AD 22-23. Crossed cornucopias, each surmounted by bareheaded bust of boy, vis-à-vis; vertical winged caduceus between / Legend around large S • C. RIC I 42 (Tiberius). Brown surfaces, flan flaws, pitting, some smoothing on reverse. VF.
From the Meander Collection. Ex Michael Weller Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 67, 22 September 2004), lot 1289; Christie’s Rome (30 April 1992), lot 198.
This issue, commemorating the birth of twin sons to Drusus Caesar and his wife Livia Drusilla (Livilla), was part of the series issued under Tiberius in AD 22-23 to promote the imperial virtue and dynastic solidity of the emperor's family. Although Germanicus Gemellus died very young, his brother Tiberius Gemellus lived into his adulthood, with the expectation that he would be heir to his grandfather following the premature death of his father, Drusus. In the later years of the emperor's life, however, Gaius (Caligula) was often seen in close company with the emperor, while Tiberius Gemellus' status was shrouded in obscurity. Thus after the death of the emperor, Caligula, assisted by the Praetorian Prefect, Macro, quickly moved to take the purple. Upon the reading of the deceased emperor's will it was discovered that Tiberius intended for both Tiberius Gemellus and his cousin Gaius to be jointly elevated, and, moreover, that Gemellus was to be the senior partner. Under unknown authority, Caligula quickly had the will vacated, and, shortly thereafter, his cousin murdered.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session Two, which will begin 13 May at 2 PM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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