Caius (Caligula) Sestertius - new purchase

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by jamesicus, Aug 16, 2018.

  1. jamesicus

    jamesicus Well-Known Member

    I had one of these many years ago but, although the surfaces of that coin were much smoother and nicer than this new purchase, it was struck somewhat off-center and so a portion of the obverse inscription was missing. Because of my interest in studying (and admiring) the Capitalis Monumentalis inscriptional lettering on Roman Imperial coins, I decided to sell it and wait until a similar Sestertius that had a reasonably complete obverse legend was available. This coin that I just purchased meets that requirement for me - albeit the coin surfaces are much rougher.

    Additionally, I especially like the reverse depiction on this coin - the visage of Caligula is really not bad.

    [​IMG]
    RIC Vol. I, CAIUS (CALIGULA), SESTERTIUS, Rome, No. 51, 40-41AD, (35mm, 26.2gm)

    Obverse depiction: Personification of Pietas, seated left

    Inscription: C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG PM TRP IIII PP In exergue: PIETAS

    Reverse depiction: Caligula standing left holding patera over altar - attendants (victimarius) on either side holding bull for sacrifice - hexastyle temple of Divus Augustus festooned with garlands in background.

    Horizontal Inscription {small lettering} DIVO AVG (left and right) and below S C (left and right)
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2018
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  3. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Nice find, congrats.
     
  4. Milesofwho

    Milesofwho Omnivorous collector

    It’s fascinating to see the detail in the temple’s front.
     
  5. Clavdivs

    Clavdivs Well-Known Member

    Spectacular detail - congrats on a fantastic purchase!
    Well worth the wait...
     
  6. TIF

    TIF Always learning.

    That's my favorite Caligula bronze. What a visually interesting coin!
     
  7. Ancient Aussie

    Ancient Aussie Well-Known Member

    Great coin with a ton of character, congrats on a fantastic addition.
     
  8. Al Kowsky

    Al Kowsky Well-Known Member

    Jamesicus, there's a lot of propaganda on this coin....
     
    Petavius and ominus1 like this.
  9. jamesicus

    jamesicus Well-Known Member

    Last edited: Aug 16, 2018
  10. jamesicus

    jamesicus Well-Known Member

    Yes.
     
    Orielensis likes this.
  11. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Wonderful coin. Well worth waiting for.
     
  12. dadams

    dadams Well-Known Member

    Sweet!! The Coin not the man. I can see why that one appeals to you with the fine full inscription. I did, of course, review your page on CAPITALIS MONUMENTALIS LETTERING but was wondering if die cutters learned the lettering craft from stone cutters? or was there some schooling where Romans learned the proper letterform in formal writing?
     
  13. ominus1

    ominus1 Well-Known Member

    nice!! that had to set you back a dollar or two...
     
  14. Nerva

    Nerva Well-Known Member

    I passed on a good one of these when I started collecting, and I've regretted it ever since. Top of my wish-list. Congratulations on yours, which looks fantastic.
     
    Justin Lee and ominus1 like this.
  15. jamesicus

    jamesicus Well-Known Member

    Thank you for that insightful reply @dadams. I don’t have a definitive answer to your question - I have researched this continuously and will continue to do so.

    Here are two recent acquisitions that depict fine inscriptional lettering:

    [​IMG]
    RIC Vol. I, CLAUDIUS, SESTERTIUS, Rome, No. 112, 50-54AD, (36mm, 28.2gm)
    Obverse depiction: Claudius, laureate head facing right
    Inscription: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG PM TRP IMP PP
    Reverse depiction: Civic Oak Wreath
    Inscription in four lines:
    EX SC
    P P
    OB CIVES
    SERVATOS
    (within wreath)

    [​IMG]
    RIC Vol. I, CLAUDIUS, AS, Rome, No. 113, 41-45AD, (29mm, 11.2gm)
    Obverse depiction: Claudius, bare headed, facing left, undraped bust
    Inscription: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG PM TRP IMP PP
    Reverse depiction: Personification of Liberty standing right holding pileus (freedman’s cap) in right hand
    Inscription: LIBERTAS AVGVSTA - S C (left and right)
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2018
  16. jamesicus

    jamesicus Well-Known Member

  17. jamesicus

    jamesicus Well-Known Member

    Ah well, it’s only money.
     
    Johnnie Black and randygeki like this.
  18. Deacon Ray

    Deacon Ray Artist & Historian Supporter

    That's a superb acquisition, James! A beautiful coin of a fascinatingly villainous emperor!
     
  19. Gavin Richardson

    Gavin Richardson Well-Known Member

    The surfaces aren't so bad that you can't still see some of the details in the pediment of the Temple of Divine Augustus. It's interesting to me how, with this sestertius, Caligula seems to be publicly honoring the ethics of imperial Rome while violating them in private. A coin of significance.
     
  20. ominus1

    ominus1 Well-Known Member

    haha..well, that's better money you bought to hold and look at anyway ^^
     
  21. ancient coin hunter

    ancient coin hunter 3rd Century Usurper

    I admire your patience @jamesicus and thanks for sharing this spectacular coin with us.
     
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