Lot 4128
Germanicus, adopted son of Tiberius, father of Caligula. AE As (12g) minted at Rome, AD 37-38. Struck under Caligula. GERMANICVS CAESAR TI AVGVST F DIVI AVG N. Bare head of Germanicus, left. Reverse: C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT around large S C. RIC (Gaius) 35; BMCRE 49; CBN 73. Of exceptional style. Dark brown patina with some reddish highlights. A wonderful bold portrait. Extremely Fine.
Germanicus, father of Caligula (Gaius Caesar), was born in 15 BC, the son of Nero Claudius Drusus and Antonia the Younger, and was adopted by his paternal uncle Tiberius in AD 4. During his lifetime, Germanicus was much admired and garnered a reputation for tolerance and leniency, even toward his detractors. Suetonius ("Life of Gaius Caligula") says that Germanicus "had won such intense popular devotion that he was in danger of being mobbed to death whenever he arrived at Rome or took his leave again." Before Germanicus was of age, he was appointed Consul, and at the death of Augustus, the Senate appointed him to command the forces in Germany. Though the legions there were unanimously opposed to Tiberius' succession and would have acclaimed Germanicus Emperor, he showed a remarkable example of filial respect and personal integrity by diverting their attention from this project; he took the offensive in Germany and won a triumph. He was so deeply respected and loved by all his acquaintances that Augustus, according to Suetonius ("Life of Gaius Caligula"), wondered for a long time whether to make Germanicus his successor, though ultimately ordered Tiberius to adopt him. (Since Tiberius had himself been adopted by Augustus, Germanicus was thus a member of the Julio-Claudian clan, standing in direct line of succession). According to Suetonius ("Life of Tiberius"), it was believed that, ultimately, Tiberius had arranged for the poisoning of Germanicus. "Give us back Germanicus!" was shouted all night and scrawled on walls throughout Rome after it was widely suspected that Tiberius had forced Gnaeaus Piso, the governor of Syria, to carry out the evil deed. Everyone believed, and with good reason, that moral respect among the Romans for Germanicus had alone kept Tiberius from displaying the cruelty of his wicked heart. (Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, trans. by Robert Graves).
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 62, lot 2019.
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