Lot 85
Rome. Gaius Germanicus, "Caligula," 37-41 AD. AE Sestertius, Rome mint, struck 37-38 AD. Laureate head of Caligula left. Reverse: The three sisters of Caligula standing frontal, heads in profile, each draped and holding cornucopiae; Agrippina, as Securitas, rests hand on column, Drusilla, as Concordia, also holds patera, and Julia, as Fortuna, also holds rudder; around, AGRIPPINA DRVSILLA IVLIA, SC in exergue. RIC 33; BMCRE 36; C. 4. Perfectly centered on virtually round flan. An impeccable strike, full and sharp, the reverse figures with remarkable detail. Very rare. NGC graded Extremely Fine.
In spite of his murderous streak, his debaucheries, and other similar acts, Caligula showed a surprising degree of "pietas," and was quite dutiful when it came to coining substantial issues honoring his deceased relations and immediate family. So chosen were Augustus, his great-grandfather; Germanicus and Agrippina Senior, his murdered parents; along with his murdered brothers, Nero Caesar and Drusus Caesar. To add to the scandal surrounding his reign, he also honored his three sisters -- some of whom he had an incestuous interest in. Perhaps even more shocking to the Roman public was the fact that when Drusilla, his favorite sister, died on June 10, 38 AD, he had her consecrated. She was the first Roman woman to receive this special religious distinction.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 24,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 36.
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| Realized $24,150 |
