Germanicus. Died A.D. 19. Æ dupondius. 16.35 gm. 28.5 mm. Rome mint. Struck under Gaius (Caligula), A.D. 37-41. Germanicus, holding eagle-tipped scepter, driving triumphal quadriga right; GERMANICVS CAESAR in two lines above / Germanicus bare-headed and cuirassed standing left, raising hand and holding aquila; SIGNIS - RECEPT / DEVICTIS - GERM / S - C in three lines to either side. RIC I 57 (Gaius). Very Fine; red and brown patina, minor roughness; clear legends and design.

Ex Lindgren collection. Ex Davissons Auction 35 (3 February 2016) lot 22.

Germanicus was the golden boy of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, a gifted general and diplomat, well on his way to the reconquest of Germania Major, whose reputation and popularity were immense, regarded by many as a hero in the mold of Alexander the Great. He died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 34, generating great public outpourings of grief and anger, with many suspecting murder on the orders of the Emperor Tiberius.