CNG 88, Lot: 1222. Estimate $2000. Sold for $3000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Gaius (Caligula), with Divus Augustus. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.59 g, 2h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 37. Bare head of Gaius (Caligula) right / Radiate head of Divus Augustus right, flanked by two stars. RIC I 2; Lyon 157; RSC 11. VF, toned, minor porosity.

From the Sierra Collection. Ex Goldberg (2 October 2000), lot 81.

Gaius (Caligula) was the youngest son of Germanicus and Agrippina Senior. At the young age of 25 Caligula became emperor, due to the deaths of many of his family members, who would have been rivals to the throne. He had little to commend him except the principle of dynastic loyalty. Thus, many of his coin issues focus on a dynastic theme. Foremost in importance he wanted people to take notice of his family relationship with his great-grandfather, Augustus, founder of the Roman Empire. The portrait of Divus Augustus was so well known among the Roman people that it was needless to name him on the reverse of this coin. His divinity is emphasized by the stars and the radiate crown.