So I was browsing CNG and I discovered this: Any resemblance? I think I even see a small counter mark low down on the bust. So what do ya'll think? A good look alike, or should it be booed offstage?
hmmm, it is certainly possible (however my young friend, as you well know => I am seldom called-in by Coin-CSI to identify the body!!)
Could be a match. Not much left of that coin-soldier though. "He's all countermark and no coin" The makings of an in-joke ancients insult?
Hmm, let me think about that for a second...No! I was thinking it might be the same type because of two features that really stood out. 1. The angling neck. It doesn't look as pronounced on the better example, but it's a bit similar. 2. The large S and small C. 'Nuff said.
I suppose the next step is to find a copy of Roman Provincial Coinage volume II or Howgeo's work on countermarks. I own neither. These might be of interest: http://www.acsearch.info/record.html?id=229007 http://www.classics.ox.ac.uk/chrishowgego.html I suppose you could write him and mention you are a YN interested in the subject and see if he can name the head on your c/m. I wouldn't be surprised if he replied (or not).
Your coin is probably either Augustus or Tiberius. Note the swirl of the hair, and that the head appears to be bare. What is the size? The countermark is Howgego 132, associated with a countermark of Astarte possibly applied at Berytus.
Umm, this gibberish to my untrained mind. A translation please? P.S. Doug, when I looked at your link to Howgego page I couldn't help noticing that he worked at the place that holds/held the collection that is cataloged in Milne's work. Cool...
