COIN (ROMAN)

A worn and corroded copper-alloy As of Agrippa, struck under the reign of emperor Gaius (Caligula), AD 37-41; 'Neptune standing left' reverse type. It was issued by Caligula in honour of his deceased grandfather.



This coin shows Neptune on the reverse, alluding to Agrippa's victory (for Augustus) at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, when Antony and Cleopatra were defeated.



British copies of this coin were made during the reign of Claudius, so it is quite possible that this is contemporary copy.



Compare Sear Volume I number 1812, and BH-E818A4, KENT-BB4C91, SF-D01DE7 and SUR-C1A490. There are only 30 Asses issued by Caligula recorded on the PAS database at the time of writing. They are all from Wales and the South East into the South East Midlands. This is the first example recorded from the North.

Ruler: Caligula
Denomination: As
Material: Copper alloy
Obverse: Head of Agrippa left [wearing rostral crown]
Obverse legend: [M A]GRIPPA (L F) COS III
Reverse: S-C either side of Neptune standing left holding dolphin and trident.
Reverse legend: none
Dated: 37.0 to 41.0
Weight (g): 7.39
Diameter (mm): 26.7
Thickness (mm): 2.5
Completeness: Complete
Preservation: Fair
Parish: Amcotts
District: North Lincolnshire
County: North Lincolnshire
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber
Discovery method: Metal detector