Object Description
Rome, AD 37-41
Germanicus Ae. dupondius, Rome, struck under Caligula. GERMANICVS CAESAR; Germanicus in quadriga right. Rev. SIGNIS RECEPT DEVICTIS GERM S-C; Germanicus standing left, holding eagle-tipped sceptre. RIC 57 [Caligula]; Cohen 7; BMC 93; Sear 1820.
Germanicus Caesar was the son of Emperor Tiberius’ brother, Drusus Sr, and brother of the future Emperor Claudius. His death in AD 19, perhaps at the hands of his enemy Gnaeus Calprunius Piso, caused considerable outrage in Rome and a renewed suspicion towards Emperor Tiberius.
Germanicus’ considerable popularity following his many victories in Germania helped his son Caligula to ascend to the throne in AD 37. Most notable amongst these victories was his recovery of the legionary standards lost following the Varrine Disaster (Tac. Ann. 1.60.4; 2.25.69). He is depicted holding an eagle-tipped sceptre on the reverse of this coin, likely in reference to this act. The obverse design has a similar function in that it refers to Germanicus’ German triumph of AD 17 (Tac. Ann 2.41).
For additional information see:
Sutherland, C. 1984, The Roman Imperial Coinage, Vol. I, From 39 BC to AD 69. London.
Size: D: 29.8mm ; 13.48g