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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 51

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 51. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Gaius/Caligula. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows pietas, veiled, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and resting left arm on a small draped figure, standing on a basis, facing, with the legend C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR P IIII P P PIETAS. The reverse shows front view of hexastyle garlanded temple surmounted by quadriga. In front, Caligula, veiled and togate, sacrifices with patera over garlanded altar right; one attendant leads bull to altar right; a second holds patera, with the legend DIVO AVG S C.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 36.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
7
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

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, commonly called Caligula, ruled as the third Roman emperor from AD 37 until his assassination in AD 41. He was the son of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder, granddaughter of Augustus. Sestertii, which had been small silver coins during the Republic, were issued during the Roman Empire as large brass coins. This piece was produced under Caligula's imperial authority at the mint of Rome.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gaius/Caligula

Design

Obverse
Pietas, veiled, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and resting left arm on a small draped figure, standing on a basis, facing
Reverse
Front view of hexastyle garlanded temple surmounted by quadriga. In front, Caligula, veiled and togate, sacrifices with patera over garlanded altar right; one attendant leads bull to altar right; a second holds patera
Obverse legend
C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR P IIII P P PIETAS
Reverse legend
DIVO AVG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 51
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR P IIII P P PIETAS
Reverse legend to match
DIVO AVG S C
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 36

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina 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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