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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 49

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 49. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Gaius/Caligula. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows nero and Drusus Caesar riding right cloaks flying, with the legend NERO ET DRVSVS CAESARES. The reverse shows legend surrounding S C, with the legend C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR POT III P P.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
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 bronze coin was issued under the authority of Gaius, also known as Caligula, at the mint of Rome. It forms part of the coinage of the Roman Empire, a period spanning from 27 BC to AD 476.

The denomination is a dupondius, a coin used during the Roman Republic and Roman Empire. Following the coinage reform of Augustus in about 23 BC, the dupondius was valued at two asses, equivalent to half a sestertius or one-eighth of a denarius. At the height of the Roman Empire, approximately one dupondius would purchase a loaf of bread or a sextarius of wine. The obverse depicts Nero and Drusus Caesar riding right with cloaks flying, accompanied by the inscription "NERO ET DRVSVS CAESARES". The reverse bears the inscription "C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR POT III P P" surrounding "S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Dupondius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gaius/Caligula

Design

Obverse
Nero and Drusus Caesar riding right cloaks flying
Reverse
Legend surrounding S C
Obverse legend
NERO ET DRVSVS CAESARES
Reverse legend
C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR POT III P P

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 49
Denomination and metal
Dupondius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
NERO ET DRVSVS CAESARES
Reverse legend to match
C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR POT III P P
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

Varieties

  • RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 42

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

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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