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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 21

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 21. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Gaius/Caligula. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Caligula, laureate, right, with the legend C CAESAR AVG PON M TR POT III COS III.

The reverse shows bust of Agrippina, draped, right; her hair is waved from brow downwards and knotted in a long plait at back; one lock falls loose down neck, with the legend AGRIPPINA MAT C CAES AVG GERM.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

This gold coin was produced under the authority of Gaius, also known as Caligula, within the Roman Empire at the mint of Rome. The imperial coinage of this era formed part of the monetary system established during the Roman imperial period, which ran from 27 BC to AD 476.

Struck as an aureus, the piece represents the primary gold denomination of ancient Rome, which was standardized during the Empire and valued at twenty-five silver denarii or one hundred sestertii. The coin pairs the laureate head of Caligula, inscribed with the obverse legend "C CAESAR AVG PON M TR POT III COS III", with a reverse portrait depicting his mother Agrippina, designated by the legend "AGRIPPINA MAT C CAES AVG GERM".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gaius/Caligula

Design

Obverse
Head of Caligula, laureate, right
Reverse
Bust of Agrippina, draped, right; her hair is waved from brow downwards and knotted in a long plait at back; one lock falls loose down neck
Obverse legend
C CAESAR AVG PON M TR POT III COS III
Reverse legend
AGRIPPINA MAT C CAES AVG GERM

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 21
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
C CAESAR AVG PON M TR POT III COS III
Reverse legend to match
AGRIPPINA MAT C CAES AVG GERM
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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