A Second Caligula Sestertius For My 12 Caesars Collection

About two years after I started my Twelve Caesars collection, I had completed both the AR and AV set. My goal at that time had been to collect one representative portrait sample of each emperor, with a reverse that was interesting for each emperor.

Gradually during this period I had begun to realize how artistic and attractive the bronzes were, and so decided to extend my collection to include representative samples of sestertii and small bronzes (as or dupondius). Again, I intended to collect one portrait sample of each emperor, with reverses that were interesting and artistic.

I always knew, however, there would be an exception to my one-denomination-per-emperor rule: Caligula. Specifically, there were two sestertii that really appealed to me: (1) the ADLOCVT reverse, and (2) the three sisters reverse.

The first coin to come along was the ADLOCVT reverse, in 2011, at the NAC auction. But the three sisters proved extremely elusive, with the only high-quality example having been sold at NAC 51 in 2009 for over $450,000. This was well beyond any amount I would have budgeted for this coin.

But the recent NAC auction of the Gasvoda collection offered an opportunity for a great example of this coin, one that I was fortunate enough to acquire:



GAIUS (CALIGULA) 37 - 41 A.D.
AE Sestertius (28.56 g.) Rome c. 37 - 38 A.D. RIC 33
C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT Laureate bust l. Rev. AGRIPPINA – DRVSILLA – IVLIA Sisters standing: Agrippina as Securitas holds cornucopiae; Drusilla as Concordia holds patera and cornucopiae; Julia as Fortuna, holds rudder and cornucopiae. In exergue, S·C. From the Gasvoda collection.

For some reason, the languid poses of the three sisters on this reverse has always reminded me of this first/second century sculpture of the Three Graces that I saw a few weeks ago in Ostia:



Note that the three figures in both examples are either holding one another’s hands or in some way touching one another. The sculpture is possibly contemporaneous with Caligula’s reign, and while it’s unlikely they’re related, there’s nevertheless a similarity that I just can’t seem to shake…

Postscript: There is a great irony associated with this coin for me.

This coin was originally purchased for Mike Gasvoda, at the 2008 Goldberg Millennia Collection auction, by his dealer.

I attended that 2008 Goldberg Millennia Collection auction, in person, with my dealer.

Who also happened to be Mike’s dealer!

The Caligula went for a bargain price at that auction, but at the time I was not collecting bronzes, so my dealer was spared the potential conflict of having two of his clients bidding for the same coin at the same auction!

Feel free to post your Caligulas or coins with sisters!

 

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A fantastic coin all of us would love to have. Congrats.


Caligula (37 - 41 A.D.)
AE30 AS
SEGOBRIGA, SPAIN
O: C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS IMP, laureate head left.
R: SEGO BRIGA in wreath.
Segobriga Mint
30.5mm
10.1g
Burgos 1724

 

Well, that is simply stunning! I'm sure you had stiff competition for this gorgeous coin .

I'd post my low condition and common Caligula/Vesta As but it would sully the thread .

 

Wow, IoM that is a superb coin. Congrats on another fantastic addition to your collection.

 

Incredible example!!!

I still lack even a budget example of the 'three graces'

 

A truly phenomenal coin. Congratulations!

 

One of the nicest Roman bronzes!

A great idea to add bronzes. Their larger size have room for more lavish scenes.

John

 

Wow. Tis a beautiful coin @IdesOfMarch01

 

Wonderful addition @IdesOfMarch01 !

Vesta?


Gaius Caligula, AD 37-41
Æ As, 29mm, 11.5g, 6h; Rome mint, AD 37-8
Obv.: C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, bare head left.
Rev.: VESTA above, S C across field, Vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on ornamental throne, holding patera and long transverse scepter.

 

My only Caligula:





C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT / S P Q R P P OB CIVES SERVATOS
Sestertius, Rome 39-40
RIC 46, BMCRE 58, C 25, Sear 1801

 

IDES, what a super nice coin! I know you're happy.

~Doug

 

As @TIF wrote I wouldn't even dare posting my Gaius/Vesta middle bronze

I even loose my usualy poor enough english: Outst-eous, gorg-anding, tre-mazing, a-mendous !

Q

 

Wow, I couldn't leave poor ol' JWT all by himself with his Vesta hangin' out, so it's sully-time!!




... nice examples, coin-bros

 

Haha! Ya sully time!

 

Beautiful coin. I've got no coin to share (no coin of mine could compare to that beauty).

I do have a statue that stands about 1.25 meters and is made of a dark hard wood. It depicts 3 sisters or three graces or whatever the beholder wants to see in it. It is named "the ascent of woman" & I love it. Here is a quick snap shot:

These ladies deserve more than a quick snap shot.

 

Stunning, stunning coin!

 

OMG!!!!! I'm greener than that patina with envy!!

 

Everyone should watch this little lecture:

 

Fantastic coin IdesOfMarch01 I bet your very proud, I only have one Caligula that I picked up at a good price because of the corrosion and it is the Vesta AS, but hey at least it hasn't been smoothed. Has good detail underneath the rough surface. Rome 37-38 AD, 9.9gm. Sorry about small pic I need to take another photo.

 

It's alright I already have.