Denarius. Roman Imperial. Caligula and Germanicus. 37 AD. Lugdunum. C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT, bare head of Gaius Caligula right. GERMANICVS CAES P C CAES AVG GERM, bare head of Germanicus (father of Caligula) right. Perfectly centered with complete legends. Both portraits are well defined. Nice patina. Very rare and with a desirable pedigree. Purchased from José A.Herrero in September 1999; Ex Scipio Collection, Soler y Llach (10/26/2021), lot 643. This coin, struck at the beginning of Caligula’s reign, is part of a commemorative series honoring his deceased family members, specifically paying tribute to his father, Germanicus. A distinguished military commander, Germanicus successfully led campaigns against the Germanic tribes (AD 14-16), avenging Varus’ defeat at the Teutoburg Forest and reclaiming two lost legionary eagles. His achievements earned him a Triumph in Rome in AD 17, after which he was sent to Asia to reorganize the provinces. In AD 19, amid a conflict with the governor of Syria, Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso, Germanicus suddenly fell ill and died under suspicious circumstances, leading to accusations against Piso and suspicions involving Sejanus and even Tiberius. His death caused widespread mourning in Rome, where he was deeply revered and honored. Caligula’s decision to feature his father’s portrait on this coin was likely a strategic move to strengthen his legitimacy and gain public favor at the beginning of his reign. Choice VF. Caligula and Germanicus. Ric. 12. Bmc. 13. Rsc. 4. Ag. 3,78.

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Lot description

Caligula and Germanicus. Denarius. 37 AD. Lugdunum. (Ric-12). (Bmc-13). (Rsc-4). Anv.: C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT, bare head of Gaius "Caligula" right. Rev.: GERMANICVS CAES P C CAES AVG GERM, bare head of Germanicus (father of Caligula) right. Ag. 3,78 g. Perfectly centered with complete legends. Both portraits are well defined. Nice patina. Very rare and with a desirable pedigree. Purchased from José A.Herrero in September 1999; Ex Scipio Collection, Soler y Llach (10/26/2021), lot 643.

This coin, struck at the beginning of Caligula’s reign, is part of a commemorative series honoring his deceased family members, specifically paying tribute to his father, Germanicus.

A distinguished military commander, Germanicus successfully led campaigns against the Germanic tribes (AD 14-16), avenging Varus’ defeat at the Teutoburg Forest and reclaiming two lost legionary eagles. His achievements earned him a Triumph in Rome in AD 17, after which he was sent to Asia to reorganize the provinces.

In AD 19, amid a conflict with the governor of Syria, Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso, Germanicus suddenly fell ill and died under suspicious circumstances, leading to accusations against Piso and suspicions involving Sejanus and even Tiberius.

His death caused widespread mourning in Rome, where he was deeply revered and honored. Caligula’s decision to feature his father’s portrait on this coin was likely a strategic move to strengthen his legitimacy and gain public favor at the beginning of his reign. Choice VF. Est...3500,00.

Starting bid

1.200 €

Current bid

1.700 €

Bid history ( bids)

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Lot 29 - Roman Imperial

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