12 Caesars Aurei Group Picture

When I posted to the "Ancient collectors re-introduction" thread, I mentioned that I had complete my collection of 12 Caesars denarii and aurei a few years after I decided to focus on this particular theme. I included a "group picture" of my 12 Caesars denarii in that post. I appreciate the compliments I received for those coins and am glad that the visitors to this site enjoyed seeing them.

In response to that posting, I received a request to post a group picture of my 12 Caesars aurei as well. I decided to do so, and hope that the members and visitors enjoy it too.



For those of you who are not familiar with this group, from left to right, top to bottom, they are:

- Octavian/Julius Caesar, Octavian (Augustus), Tiberius
- Caligula, Claudius, Nero
- Galba, Otho, Vitellius
- Vespasian, Titus, Domitian

The Caligula aureus was the last one I acquired to complete the set about three years ago. I've been focusing on 12 Caesars' bronzes since that time, and still have seven bronzes (five asses/dupondii, two sestertii) remaining to complete the bronzes.

 

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The Domitian is my favorite in that group. Lovely coin.

I've decided that if I ever have enough cash (and the market has nothing else for me), my first aureus would be a Claudius with Nemesis reverse. That won't happen any time soon.

 

Fantastic! These are all great coins w/o a doubt, but if I were pressed, I would say my favorite is the Claudius or the Domitian. What a fine collection.

 

That's a superb collection that represents a great deal of intellectual and financial commitment. Bravo!

 

Wow! Yeah all are great, but Domitian looks pretty sweet.

 

Great set :bow:

Would have a hard time choosing a favorite, but the Augustus...

 

Wow => man, I think that all of those coins rock, but Claudius and Vespasian (or maybe it's Titus? => the farm animal?) are certainly making me do a bit of "extra" drooling!!

... gorgeous grouping (congrats!!)

:bow:

 

Great looking stuff. I happen to like the vitellius the best.

 

It is interesting how the different people have different opinions about which is their favorite. I like Galba.

 

On second thought, I like 'em all.:thumb:

 

This is a truly stunning collection. With sufficient funds, one could assemble a collection of the Twelve Caesars in the space of a couple months across a few auctions. However, this collection clearly shows thorough research, patience, and planning, selecting some of the most visually appealing examples of the types.
I would say that my favorites are the Augustus, Nero, and Octavian/Julius. I've always loved the IMPER RECEPT Claudius as well and your example has a very nicely struck reverse. Well done, and I look forward to seeing your next completed sets!

 

Wow!

 

Yeah teh reverse on vitellius is sweet too

 

Thats why I picked it.

 

Truly stunning - thank you for sharing them with us, its refreshingly nice to see these types of coin in a forum environment and not just as completed auction listings. Yourself and Ancientjoe sure do have good taste, expensive but good

 

You can say that again.

 

WOW

 

Thanks for all the compliments and kind words. Glad that so many people enjoyed the coins and responded with their favorite portrait!

As my bronze collection fills out, I'll post those as well.

 

I'll be watching for it.

 

Historical value VS spot value

#1
Of course it is awesome to see the 12 Caesars in gold like this. If you ever exhibit your collection, please post the details at CoinTalk. It would be nice to see some of your collection in person.

#2
I understand that the weight of the Aureus varied from Caesar to Caesar. It looks like you have about 85 grams of gold in those 12 coins. Perhaps you could post the photo in the bullion forum