Gaius Caligula Gold Aureus Coin

Coins from the reign of Gaius Caligula (AD 37–41) are among the rarest and most expensive of the “Twelve Caesars” series. Because Caligula was assassinated and suffered damnatio memoriae (erasure of his name), many of his coins were melted down or defaced shortly after his death.

Most Valuable Caligula Coins
Rarity and historical scandal drive the value of these issues, which often feature portraits of his family members to bolster his legitimacy.

Gold Aureus (Caligula and Divus Augustus): Features the bare head of Caligula on the obverse and his deified grandfather, Augustus, on the reverse.
Market Value: A high-grade (NGC Choice AU) specimen recently realized $145,000 (approx. £111,000) at auction. Extremely fine examples can exceed $156,000.
Mintage: Struck primarily at the Lugdunum (Lyon) mint; only 70 total gold aurei of Caligula have been certified by NGC, making them exceptionally rare.
“Three Sisters” Sestertius (Bronze): One of the most famous coins in Roman history, depicting Caligula’s three sisters—Agrippina the Younger, Drusilla, and Julia Livilla—as the personifications of Security, Concord, and Fortune.
Market Value: Exceptional examples sell for $15,000 to $21,000 (£11,500–£16,000). Collectable specimens in lower grades are valued around €1,950 (approx. £1,600).

Mintage: Limited; these were propaganda pieces intended to shock or impress traditional Roman society.
“Sacrifice Temple” Sestertius: Depicts Caligula sacrificing an ox before the Temple of Augustus.
Market Value: A world-record specimen sold for over $269,000 in 2013. Current mid-grade examples are listed for around £2,382.
Silver Denarius: Features portraits of his mother (Agrippina Senior) or father (Germanicus).
Market Value: High-grade (NGC Choice VF) specimens can reach £13,728. More typical well-centred examples sell for £3,000, while the finest known can reach £23,000.