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Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 29.95 g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck AD 40-41. C • CAESAR • DIVI • AVG • PRO • N • AVG • P • M • TR • P • IIII • P • P •, laureate head left / S • P • Q • R/ P • P/ OB • CIVES/ SERVATOS in four lines within oak wreath. RIC I 53; BMCRE p. 157, note *; BN 116. Green patina, some roughness. EF. A magnificent portrait. Rare.
From the PLZ Collection. Ex Geoffrey Cope Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica 144, with Classical Numismatic Group & Numismatica Genevensis SA, 8 May 2024), lot 1023; Numismatica Ars Classica 64 (17 May 2012), lot 1106; Numismatica Ars Classica 54 (24 March 2010), lot 333; Numismatica Ars Classica 40 (16 May 2007), lot 658.
The extensive use of the OB CIVIS SERVATOS (“For Service to the Citizenry”) type by Caligula lends credence to how importantly the Corona Civica was viewed by all levels of Roman society. The type would be minted in all three metals by Caligula, in contrast to every other type minted by him that were dedicated specifically to members of his family. Here, the legend is preceded by “S P Q R” (for Senatus Populesque Romanus, “the Senate and People of Rome”), indicating the approval of the whole Roman state in honoring the emperor.
The award of the Corona Civica to Caligula, reminiscent to the same as awarded to Augustus, assumes that his rise to the throne without protest prevented yet another civil war, as Tiberius had died without naming an heir and successor. It was also a backhanded “dig” at the unlamented Tiberius, who had come to be perceived as a tyrant. Certainly, this honor was granted in the hopes that Caligula would mirror Augustus in his relations with the senate. Initially, that would prove correct as Caligula ceased the treason trials of Tiberius; unfortunately, that good relationship with the senate would not last.
The coin offered here is an impressive example of this issue, with a wonderful portrait of the emperor and an impressive green patina.
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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