Lot 4363

Description

Gaius (Caligula), (A.D. 37-41), AE sestertius (23.16 g), Rome mint, struck A.D. 37-38, obv. [C CAES]AR A[VG G]ERMANICVS PON M TR POT, laureate head left, rev.[ADLOCVT] above, COH in exergue, Gaius, bareheaded and togate, standing left on dais, extending right hand in gesture of address, behind him a sella castrensis (chair), in front of him stand five soldiers right, all helmeted, holding shields, and parazonia, four aquilae behind them, (cf.S.1799, RIC 32, BMCRE 33-35, BN 45-46, C.1). Surface roughness, good fine with a mottled dark green-brown, rare.

Ex RJM Collection and previously bought from Wayne Phillips USA for $300US in c.1994-5, with tickets.



Before a battle, or on parade, the emperor would address his troops in an event known as an adlocutio cohortium (address to the cohorts). This was an important opportunity for the emperor to be present among his troops to inspire morale. This sestertius was issued on the occasion of a donative for the Praetorian Guard and was the first to employ the adlocutio as a reverse type.