LOT #23018 |
Current Bid: $1,550
Roman Imperial: Gaius (Caligula) (AD 37-41). AR denarius (18mm, 3.70 gm, 1h). NGC Choice VF 5/5 - 2/5, brushed.
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Description
Gaius (Caligula) (AD 37-41). AR denarius (18mm, 3.70 gm, 1h). NGC Choice VF 5/5 - 2/5, brushed. Lugdunum, 1st issue, AD 37. C•CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT COS, bare head of Caligula right / Radiate head of Divus Augustus right, flanked by six-pointed star on either side. RIC I 2.Born as Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus in AD 12, he soon became the mascot for the army of his father, the popular general Germanicus. During that time, he acquired the nickname "Caligula," or "Little Boots," for the miniature army boots (called caligae) he wore. When his predecessor, Tiberius, finally died in May AD 37, there was much speculation that, in the end, he did not die of natural causes. Suetonius, himself, believed rumors that Caligula had poisoned Tiberius, starved him, and smothered him with a pillow before he fell dead. But he was uniquely unsuited to the task at hand, having no experience in government, finance, or military affairs. He quickly squandered Tiberius' carefully hoarded wealth on frivolous projects, condemned or exiled the most capable men in government, and demanded to be worshipped as a god. After three years of misrule, he was assassinated by a cabal of senators and Praetorian guardsmen led by Cassius Chaerea on 24 January AD 41. Despite being perhaps one of the worst Roman emperors, Caligula's coinage is interesting and attractive.
Auction Info
2026 November 8 Spotlight: Imperial Portraits Ancient Coins Showcase Auction #61667 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
November
8th
Sunday
6:50 pm CT
Auction Dates
November
8th
Sunday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining
22 Days
22h 13m 6s
Internet/Mail Bids: 9
Lot Tracking Activity: 40
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Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% of the successful bid (minimum $29) per lot.
This lot is in: 1 -
World & Ancient Coins Session
(Lots 23001-23247) - 7:00 PM Central Time, Sunday, November 8, 2026.
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Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions - Dallas
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261
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