Lot 83
Rome. Gaius Germanicus, "Caligula," 37-41 AD. Gold Aureus (7.76 g), Lugdunum (Lyon) mint, struck 37-38 AD. Laureate head of Caligula to right. Reverse: Bare head of Germanicus to right.; GERMANICVS CAES P C CAES AVG GERM. Fr-73; RIC 17; Biaggi 190; BMCRE 18; Calicó 321; C. 1; Giard 171; Vagi 507. Bold fresh strike, on virtually round flan, with complete legends. Tiny banker's mark on the reverse. Toned and exceptional, with portraits especially well modeled for this mint's products. Very rare. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
Gaius, or Caligula, ranks among the most detested of all the Roman emperors. As emperor, his personal excesses and depravity, coupled with his abuse of power, created a keen resentment of him both among Rome's aristocracy and the masses. Without a doubt the internecine character of many of the Julio-Claudians holding power shaped his childhood. Gaius grew up in especially fearful times during the reign of Tiberius, which assuredly left scarring on his psyche. Fortunately for him, with the protection provided by his grandmother, Antonia, he managed to survive the purges and executions of so many other members of his family at the behest of Tiberius.
Eventually Tiberius died in March of 37, and Gaius ascended to the throne. He became extremely ill in October of 37, but recovered. It seems that his brain must have been affected by the illness, because it is after this episode that Caligula's personality seems to have changed radically. His irrationality and cruelties increased exponentially. His depravities, murders, and other horrors are well-known and need not be elaborated on. Caligula finally fell victim to the third, and successful plot against him; he was assassinated on January 24, 41 AD. Curiously, this monstrous legacy has made Caligula among the most in demand of Roman emperors whose coins are collected in recent times.
Estimated Value $70,000 - 80,000.
Ex "Perfectionist Collection," Leu 93, 10 May 2005, no. 6. Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 35.
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| Realized $138,000 |
