19th century AD. A discoid amethyst plaque with chamfered edge, intaglio profile portrait bust of Germanicus Julius Caesar. 0.49 grams, 12mm (1/2"). Property of a Middlesex gentleman; acquired in the 1980s. Germanicus Julius Caesar (24 May 15 BC - 10 October AD 19) is better known to the modern world as 'Germanicus', having abandoned his birth-name of Nero Claudius Drusus. He was a famed military commander and member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, born in Rome, brother to the later Emperor Claudius who set in motion the invasion of Britain. The agnomen 'Germanicus' was bestowed on him posthumously in recognition of a military campaign against the tribes across the Rhine. Rome's disastrous venture beyond the Rhineland and the resulting clades Variana in 9 AD, in which three legions and their supporting troops were wiped out, was considered a great stain on the reputation of the Roman military, which Germanicus's incursions were supposed to avenge. His early death, aged just 34, in Egypt enhanced his reputation as a great leader whose death came too early. There was much speculation that his death was ordered by Emperor Tiberius who may have seen the soldier's popularity as a threat. Extremely fine condition.