Caligula Divus Augustus No COS Denarius Replica | Hand-Struck Silver Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• Reproduces the exceptionally rare no-COS variety catalogued as RIC I² 6
• Distinct from the better-known RIC I² 2 denarius ending in COS
• Features dynastic portraits of Caligula and the deified Augustus
• Displays the evocative anepigraphic reverse with two flanking stars
• Preserves the distinctive ancient letter forms visible on the original design
• Individually hand-struck in solid sterling silver
• Exact coin shown in photos

Best suited for collectors of Caligula, Julio-Claudian dynastic coinage and rare Roman denarius varieties.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Caligula and Divus Augustus denarius is a hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by the exceptionally rare RIC I² 6 variety issued at Lugdunum in AD 37–38.

The obverse presents the bare head of Caligula facing right. Its legend ends with TR POT and does not include the title COS. This omission is not an engraving error: it is the defining catalog distinction between RIC I² 6 and the separate RIC I² 2 issue.

The anepigraphic reverse depicts the radiate head of Divus Augustus facing right, flanked by two stars. Each piece is individually hammered, producing natural differences in flan shape, relief, centering, and surface texture.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• Gaius, commonly known as Caligula, became emperor in AD 37 and ruled until AD 41.
• Through his mother, Agrippina the Elder, Caligula was a direct biological descendant of Augustus.
• His early precious-metal coinage emphasized this prestigious Julio-Claudian ancestry.
• The radiate crown identifies the reverse portrait with divine status and is conventionally associated with Divus Augustus.
• The two stars strengthen the reverse’s celestial and commemorative character.
• Because the reverse is anepigraphic, the portraits and symbols carry the entire dynastic message.
• RIC I² catalogues the no-COS legend and two-star reverse as number 6, separately from the COS variety catalogued as number 2.

Numismatic References:

This replica is inspired by the ancient type documented as:

– RIC I² 6

– OCRE ric.1(2).gai.6

– Cohen 9

– Numista 247123

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Caligula and Divus Augustus denarius replica

Denomination represented: AR Denarius

Mint: Lugdunum

Era represented: 37-38 AD

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: 2.90 gr

Dimensions: 18 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Bare head of Gaius, right
Legend:
C CΛESΛR ΛVG GERM P M TR POT

Reverse: Radiate head of Divus Augustus right; two stars flanking
Legend:
Anepigraphic

Due to the traditional hand-striking process, variations in weight, diameter, strike, centering and surface are expected.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collectors of Roman imperial silver coinage

– Julio-Claudian and Caligula collections

– historical and educational displays

– reenactment and study collections

– distinctive numismatic gifts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a hand-struck replica inspired by ancient coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.

Explore related Caligula and Roman denarius pages:

• Compare the Caligula–Divus Augustus COS denarius replica, RIC I² 2
• Browse Roman denarius replicas
• Explore ancient Roman coin replicas