Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.02 g, 7h). Contemporary imitation. Near VF.

Electronic Auction 524
Lot: 475. Estimated: $ 750

Roman Imperial, Silver

Sold For $ 2 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. AR Denarius (18mm, 4.02 g, 7h). Contemporary imitation. Laureate head of Gaius (Caligula) right / S P Q R/ OB/ C S in three lines within oak wreath. Cf. RIC I 19; cf. RSC 19 (for obverse). Toned. Near VF. Extremely rare and unusual imitation.

From the Conti Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group XXXIV (6 May 1995), lot 293.

The reverse type of this imitation, with this particular legend arrangement, is not seen until certain rare issues of the Civil War in AD 68 (AM 92-3), and later on denarii of Galba (RIC I 167). This unusual combination suggests that the coin may in fact be a semi-official issue produced at one of the ephemeral mints of the Civil War period.

Closing Date and Time: 28 September 2022 at 12:38:00 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 20% buyer’s fee.