Caligula aka Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. Just received the coin after a 1.5 month transit from last year. A sestertius of Caligula, albeit a humble example, is a significant addition to my collection. Actually looks better in hand with the brassy elements against the dark field. This coin commemorates the finalisation of the Divus Augustus temple. Erected on the Palatine Hill, it stands on the grounds where Augustus once resided before entering public service. The Roman Senate made a vow to construct it shortly after the emperor's death in AD 14, and the project reached completion around AD 37. This coin was minted during that period, coinciding with the dedication of the temple over the last two days of August in the same year—the month renamed in honor of Augustus. Caligula as the Pontifex Maximus presided over the sacrificial ceremonies, as noted by Cassius Dio. Caligula's ordered commemorative events were exceptionally lavish, featuring a two-day horse race and the slaying of 400 bears and an equivalent number of wild beasts from Libya. Caligula also postponed all legal proceedings and suspended mourning to ensure widespread attendance. The temple's last recorded mention was on May 27, AD 218. Subsequently, it was entirely destroyed, and its stones were likely quarried for future construction projects. The site remains unexcavated, leaving its original appearance to be reconstructed solely from depictions on Roman coinage, with the present type being particularly significant in this regard. Caligula Ae sestertius 22.3 g, 34 mm 40-41 AD, RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 51 Obv: C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR P IIII P P PIETAS. Pietas, veiled, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and resting left arm on a small draped figure, standing on a basis, facing Rev: DIVO AVG S C. Front view of hexastyle garlanded temple surmounted by quadriga. In front, Caligula, veiled and togate, sacrifices with patera over garlanded altar right; one attendant leads bull to altar right; a second holds patera. Please share you coins of 'Little boots'.
Caligula, 37 - 41 AD AE As, Rome Mint, 30mm, 9.28 grams Obverse: C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, Bare head of Gaius left. Reverse: VESTA S C, Vesta seated left holding patera and scepter. RIC 38
Nice write up, and a nice acquisition. My only Caligula RPC Volume: I №: 400 Reign: Caligula Persons: Caligula (Augustus) Magistrate: Gaius Cornelius Refec— (duovir); Marcus Helvius Fronto (duovir) City: Bilbilis Region: Hispania Province: Tarraconensis Denomination: Leaded bronze (27 mm) 11.92gr Obverse: G CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS IMP; laureate head of Caligula, right Reverse: MVN AVG BILBIL C COR(N) REF(EC) M HELV FRO(NTO); oak wreath containing II VIR Reference: Vives 139–10, GMI 552, NAH 1131 Specimens: 36
My Caligula was actually listed as a Britannicus by the auction house. Province, City - Reign: Ionia, Smyrna – Caligula Gaius Calpurnius Aviola (proconsul) ; Menophanes Mint: Smyrna (37 – 38 AD) Obverse: ΓΑΙΟΝ (ΚΑΙCΑΡ)Α EΠΙ ΑΟΥ(Ι)ΟΛΑ, Laureate head of Caligula, right Reverse: ΖΜΥΡΝΑΙWΝ ΜΗΝΟΦΑΝΗC, Nike advancing right, holding palm and wreath References: BMCG 14. 269. 277; Klose XXVII A; RPC Online: RPC I, 2473 (specimen #31 – double die match to specimen #30)
