Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Gaius (Caligula), with Divus Augustus

Caligula (AD 37–41) struck a famous series of coins pairing his own portrait with that of his deified great-grandfather, Divus Augustus. These issues, minted at Lugdunum (modern Lyon), were deliberately struck to legitimize his rule by visually linking himself to the founder of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. NGC MS★ 5/5 - 5/5, this coin is the finest Caligula aureus known in private hands. It made $500k on 13 January 2025.
Born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus in AD 12, he was dressed as a soldier by his parents, including miniature army boots. (caligae) When the hated Tiberius died in AD 37, Caligula, 25, was welcomed with relief. That didn't last long.
Gaius (Caligula), with Divus Augustus. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.63 g, 2h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. 1st emission, AD 37. $4,200.

After 3 years of misrule Caligula was assassinated in a plot by some senators and the Praetorian guard led by Cassius Chaerea on 24 January AD 41.

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