Box 1

Collection Overview From the Collection: Collection includes the original dealer description for each coin, inventories and appraisals, and some notes by Handshu. Most of the documentation consists of the dealer and auction catalogs Handshu selected his coins from and issues of periodicals which provide an overview of the market for coins. Handshu's reference books on coins have been cataloged separately for the Library's collection. The majority of the coins provide a nearly complete collection of portraits of Roman emperors from...

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His nickname, Caligula was bestowed on him by his soldiers when he was a boy, including the half boot (caliga). He became a very depraved emperor and was eventually murdered by a group of praetorians on January 24, AD 41.

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The result of a childhood attack of infantile paralysis it was assumed that he was weak minded, but he proved to be a capable administrator and took part in the invasion of Rome in AD 43. He probably was poisoned by his wife Agrippina.

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His extravagance and vanity made him very unpopular. It was rumored he started the great fire which destroyed half of Rome in AD 64. In AD 68 revolt broke out and the praetorians deserted him and Nero committed suicide.

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Preceding the death of Nero he was proclaimed emperor by his troops. However, his strict discipline and rigid economy made him very unpopular with the army. Otho organized a conspiracy and Galba was assassinated in the forum on January 15, AD 69.

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Defeated in battle by Vitellus who had been proclaimed emperor by his troops. Otho committed suicide on April 17, AD 69.

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Vitellius was a voracious glutton and gave more attention to the pleasures of the table than the business of government. Vitellius was seized in his palace, murdered, and his body was dragged through the streets of Rome and thrown in the Tiber.

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Despite his humble origin he rose to a series of important posts. In AD 67 Nero appointed him to quell the Jewish rebellion. He was a just and industrious ruler and he improved the condition of the state.

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Elder Son of Vespasian, he commanded a legion in his father’s Jewish campaign. He succeeded his father as emperor and proved to be a benevolent emperor.

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He was unpopular with the senate in the last years of his reign, and the last years of his reign were ones of terror and oppression. He was murdered on September 18, AD 96 as the result of a plot involving his wife, Domitia, his chamberlain, and the praetorian prefect.