Lot 3485

Description

Agrippina Junior, Augusta, (A.D. 50-59), AE sestertius (26.18 g), Balkan(?) mint, obv. Draped bust to right of Agrippina, around AGRIPPINA AVG GERMANICI F CAESARIS AVG, rev. blank, (S.-, Von Kaenel, "Britannicus, Agrippina Minor, and Nero in Thrakien," SNR 63 (1984), A5, Pl. 24, 29 (same obv. die, also with blank rev.), cf. RIC 103 (Claudius), cf. BMCRE p. 195 note, cf. Classical Numismatic Group E-274, lot 343 and E-280, lot 130 (same obv. die?, also with blank rev.). Fine, green patina, surfaces a little rough and very rare.

Ex CNG Electronic Auction 290 November 7, 2012 (lot 350) and coming from the R. D. Frederick Collection. Apparently struck at a Balkan mint, to judge from finds in the territory of Moesia-Thrace. The note in RIC raises the possibilty that the Agrippina sestertii with the obverse legend AGRIPPINA AVG GERMANICI F CAESARIS AVG were made as presentation pieces for a military unit stationed in the region. BMCRE mentions at least one sestertius from this series with an 'obliterated' reverse. CNG have sold three examples with the 'obliterated' reverse.