http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11761319/Contromarca.jpg
DIVVS As of Augustus: TI•C•A•
All 6 ctmk's appear to be from the same die!?
At least 4 more coins have been seen on ebay that appear to be from the same ctmk die.
Possibility of modern fake ctmk's applied to genuine worn coins ?
(obverses of coins above; reverses beneath)
2 appear to be countermarked on the obverse and 4 to be countermarked on the reverse. Weights vary from 7.7g to 10.4g and diameters from 25 to 28mm.
TI•C•A• refers to Tiberius Claudius Augustus (or by some as Tiberius Caesar Augustus -> still referring to Claudius). Also found on Agrippa As and Caligula As - used in the British campaign of 43AD.
NOTE: Claudius was nephew to Tiberius.
He was named after him. Although not a popular emperor Tiberius had
been one of Romes best Generals. Claudius, by this ctmk., as well as
the TIAV ctmk. may, by there ambiguous nature have intended the added
significance of not only honoring himself, but Tiberius as well for his
military exploits in behalf of his country.