Summary

Orichalcum Sestertius struck during the reign of the Emperor Gaius (Caligula) for his mother Agrippina between 37 and 41 AD, Ancient Roman Empire. Minted by Rome. Agrippina, the Emperor's mother had died of starvation in 33 AD after being banished to the island of Pandatera by Tiberius. The production of this coin is therefore attributed to Tiberius' successor Gaius who was Agrippina's son. The carpentum depicted on the reverse was driven in a procession at the opening of games which Gaius held in her memory after returning her ashes to Rome (Ref; Suetonius, Caligula 15). The coin bears no datable content but was probably produced early in Gaius' reign.

Obverse Description

Draped bust of Agrippina facing right; around, AGRIPPINA M F MAT . C CAESARIS AVGVSTI

Reverse Description

A two-wheeled carriage (Carpentum) with arched covering supported at the corners by Caryatides being drawn to the left by two mules; in field above in three lines, S P Q R / [ME]MORIAE / [AGR]IPPINAE

Edge Description

Plain

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