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Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. Æ As (28mm, 11.31 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 37-38. C • CAESAR • AVG • GERMANICVS • PON • M • TR • POT •, bare head left / VESTA above, S C across field, Vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on ornamental throne, holding patera in outstretched right hand and transverse scepter in left. RIC I 38; BMCRE 45-8; BN 54-71. Green and brown patina. EF.
From the PLZ Collection, purchased from Antiqua.
Caligula was given all the titles and authorities granted to Augustus upon his ascension to the throne. This included the title of Pontifex Maximus (chief priest), which automatically placed him in charge over the order of Vestal Virgins. These six priestesses were guardians of the sacred fire of Vesta and each held greater prestige than any other non-imperial woman in Rome. Together with the Pontifex, they led in celebrations of the Vestalia, which took place each year from June 7 to 15. and was regarded as one of the most important of Roman holidays. Vesta appears in many ways on Roman coinage and her temple in the Forum is shown in profile on the coinage of Nero, among others. The depiction of Vesta on this type, enthroned, sometimes seems to have the features of the emperor.
This is the most common coin type for Caligula and comes with a wide variety of detail. Countless dies, both obverse and reverse, are known for this issue. As a result, the quality of the engraving varies widely. For the coin offered here, the portrait is of the finest quality, reflecting those found on the much larger sestertii. The reverse composition is also exemplary, with incredible detail found on both Vesta and the throne upon which she rests.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.
CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session One – Lot 1-318 will be held Monday morning, 18 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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