Rare drachm struck under Tiberius in the mint of Caesarea, Cappadocia, dedicated to his son Drusus the Younger.
This drachm is a remarkable testimony to Tiberius’ dynastic policy. Drusus the Younger (son of Tiberius and Vipsania Agrippina, grandson of Marcus Agrippa) was for many years considered the natural heir to the throne. He held tribunician power and the consulship, enjoying the support of both the Senate and the army. However, his premature death in AD 23 widely believed to have been caused by poisoning – shattered Tiberius’ succession plans.
The coin, struck in Caesarea, Cappadocia a decade later (AD 33–34), served as a commemorative issue. It emphasized the continuity of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and preserved the memory of Drusus as the rightful heir. At the same time, it reflected the growing instability within the empire with Tiberius secluded on Capri and no clear successor, the stage was being set for the eventual accession of Caligula.
Ex. Fritz Rudolf Künker, 347 Auction, 22-23 March 2021, lot 1013.
Scratches on both sides of coin.
Roman Imperial
Tiberius (14-37), Drachm 33-34, Cappadocia, Caesarea mint
Obverse: laureate head right
TI CAES AVG P M TR P XXXV
Reverse: bare head of Drusus left
DRVSVS CAES TI AVG F COS II TR P
Diameter 18 mm, weight 3.41 g
