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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 56

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 56. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Gaius/Caligula. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Augustus, radiate, left, with the legend DIVVS AVGVSTVS S C.

The reverse shows augustus (or Caligula), laureate and togate, seated, left, on curule chair, holding branch in right hand and resting left hand against side, with the legend CONSENSV SENAT ET EQ ORDIN P Q R.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
12
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 the emperor Gaius, also known as Caligula, by the mint at Rome. It formed part of the monetary system of the Roman Empire, which operated across the imperial period beginning in 27 BC.

At the height of the Empire, one dupondius could purchase roughly a loaf of bread or a sextarius of wine. The obverse depicts the radiate head of Augustus with the inscription "DIVVS AVGVSTVS S C", honouring the deified emperor. The reverse depicts Augustus or Caligula seated on a curule chair, laureate and togate while holding a branch, accompanied by the legend "CONSENSV SENAT ET EQ ORDIN P Q R".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Dupondius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gaius/Caligula

Design

Obverse
Head of Augustus, radiate, left
Reverse
Augustus (or Caligula), laureate and togate, seated, left, on curule chair, holding branch in right hand and resting left hand against side
Obverse legend
DIVVS AVGVSTVS S C
Reverse legend
CONSENSV SENAT ET EQ ORDIN P Q R

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 56
Denomination and metal
Dupondius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
DIVVS AVGVSTVS S C
Reverse legend to match
CONSENSV SENAT ET EQ ORDIN P Q R
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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