444 - AGRIPPA (Died 12 BC). As. Rome. Struck under Caligula (37-41). Obv: M AGRIPPA L F COS III. Head left, wearing rostral crown.Rev: S - C. Neptune standing left, holding small dolphin and trident.RIC² 58 (Caligula).Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, of modest origins, was one of Augustus' most trusted friends and collaborators. He met Octavian during Caesar's campaign in Macedonia and became his inseparable ally. He played a decisive role in the siege of Perugia (41 BC) against Lucius Antonius. After obtaining the praetorship, he was sent to Gaul, where he quelled revolts and consolidated the borders along the Rhine. Upon his return to Italy, he effectively opposed Sextus Pompey thanks to the creation of the Portus Iulius naval base and a new fleet, defeating him definitively at Naulochos (36 BC). He took part in the war against Antony and Cleopatra, achieving a great naval victory at Actium (31 BC), which marked the end of the civil wars. He remained loyal to Augustus, never claiming personal honors. After the death of the young Marcellus, Agrippa married Julia, daughter of Augustus, thus joining the imperial family. He obtained proconsular powers and tribunician authority, effectively becoming the emperor's colleague. He also handled important matters in the Roman East: he pacified Pontus, supported Herod in Judea, founded colonies, and strengthened Roman influence. As aedile (35 BC), he transformed Rome by building aqueducts, baths, the Pantheon, the Saepta Iulia, the Pons Agrippae, and the Porticus Vipsania, which housed a map of the empire. He died in 12 BC at the age of 51. Although ill, he served Rome until the end. He played a key role in consolidating the Roman Empire, combining military, administrative, and cultural skills. His loyalty to Augustus and his renunciation of personal power ensured the stability of the rising Empire. His appearance has been handed down to us mainly through idealized portraits on coins, as well as the colossal statue that adorned the entrance to the Pantheon, now preserved in Venice. Condition: Very fine.Weight: 10.61 g. Diameter: 29 mm. Estimate: € 300
