Lot 2430
Caligula, AD 37-41. Gold Aureus (7.96 g) minted at Rome, AD 37-38. Laureate head right of Gaius (Caligula). Reverse: Radiate head right of the deified Augustus. RIC 15 [as R2]; BMC 16. Two excellent portraits, struck during the first year of Caligula's rule, when the main mint for precious metals was transferred from Lugdunum to Rome. NGC graded XF: Strike 5/5; Surface 3/5.
Once in a while the upper (reverse) die is mistakenly utilized for the production of the obverse portrait. On this specimen there is a dish effect on the portrait of Gaius, indicating that this was produced from the upper die. Correspondingly, Augustus shows the convexity typical of usual obverse dies.
Estimated Value $7,500-UP.
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| Realized $36,800 |
