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. 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)
Thank you @Mat, @Milesofwho, @Clavdivs, @TIF and @Ancient Aussie for your interest and kind comments.
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?
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.
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: 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) 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)
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.