★ Combining an obverse of Augustus with a reverse of Claudius ★

Forces of Galba in Spain. In the name of Augustus, 27 BC-AD 14. Denarius (Silver, 17 mm, 3.21 g, 6 h), uncertain mint in Spain. Group A.V, 3 April-2nd half of June 68. CAESAR AVGVSTVS Bare head of Augustus to right. Rev. PACI AVGVSTAE Pax-Nemesis, winged, standing right, holding winged caduceus pointing down at snake in her left hand and holding out fold of drapery below chin with her right. BMC -. CG 173.1 ( this coin ). Cohen -. Martin -. Nicolas -. RIC -. Unpublished and unique, a very interesting issue. Somewhat rough and with minor edge filing, otherwise, very fine.

From the collection of Dipl.-Ing. Christian Gollnow, ex Aureo & Calicó 247, 30 October 2012, 1035.

Hitherto attested in a single example only, this issue combines an obverse of Augustus with a reverse of Claudius. The latter was also used on extremely rare denarii struck by the Rhine Legions, albeit as an obverse type (see lot 1116 below). The portrait style on the present issue is reminiscent of Group A.VI (lot 1055 below), as is the lack of headgear, but the head is larger, and the face is less pointed.