Ryan Center for Biblical Studies

• Uselton Catalog #: 20
• Class: Roman Imperatorial & Imperial
• Ruling Authority: Claudius (41-54 A.D.)
• Type: AE (bronze) dupondius
• Size: 29.96 mm.
• Weight: 14.71 g.
• Die Axis: 180°
• Obverse: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP; Claudius head left, NCAPR countermark in right field behind head.
• Reverse: CERES AVGVSTA; Ceres, veiled and draped, seated left on ornamental throne, holding two corn-ears and a long torch.
• Exergue:
• References: RIC 94.
• Original #: 16

There’s a vertical NCAPR countermark on the obverse. This particular countermark is typically taken to mean “Nero Caesar Augustus Probavit,” or “Nero Caesar Augustus Populo Romano,” signifying that Nero had tested and/or approved the continuation of this coin of Claudius as legal tender. An alternative interpretation sees the N as signifying Nerva, not Nero. “A countermark is a stamped or punched impression adding elements of design to a coin after it was originally struck. The practice of countermarking coins was widespread throughout antiquity. It was particularly common in the provinces of the Roman Empire. Countermarks were applied to coins for many reasons, including revalidation, revaluation, devaluation, and propaganda. Exactly when and why any individual countermark was applied is often uncertain.” – Forum Ancient Coins. This countermark may have indicated that this coin was monetarily valid long after it was originally struck, though the reasons for countermarks vary. “Because of the relatively high number of fake sestertii and dupondii struck in Claudius’ time, coins were tested at random and genuine coins were stamped “PROB” (probare = tested) while well made fakes were devalued and stamped “DVP” or “DV” for Dupondius; poorly made fakes were melted down.” – Dmitry Markov.