Lot 4261

Description

Gaius (Caligula), (A.D. 37-41), AE sestertius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 37-38, (25.87 grams), obv. laureate head of Caligula to left, around C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, rev. ADLOCUT above, Gaius bare headed in togate, standing left on platform before low stool, haranguing with right hand extended to five soldiers holding shields and aquilae, in exergue COH, (cf.S.1799, RIC 32, C.1, BMC 33, CBN 45). Attractive dark green and brown patina, some minor encrustation around letters on obverse. otherwise good fine and rare in this condition.

Ex CNG Electronic Internet Sale 108 (lot 90) and coming from the Rudolf Berk Collection. CNG noted that this coin is highly unusual in that it lacks the letters S C, which designates an issue by decree of the Senate (Senatus Consulto). From Republican times, the formula had been used on both silver and bronze coinage, but under the Empire, it was used almost exclusively on the bronze coinage. In fact, imperial bronze coinage without the formula is generally thought to have been issued under special circumstances and under an authority other than the Senate. The ADLOCVT(io) COH(ortium) sestertii are thought to have been a special distribution issue for the Praetorian Guard personally funded out of the emperor's own purse.