Since I started collecting coins I've always wanted to have some of the more famous, or in this case infamous, emperors represented in my collection so this is something I'm quite excited to have! It's also my very first provincial coin (since his imperial coins are well beyond what my budget allows) so I'm glad I found a reason to expand there. I know his As coins are among the more common coins minted but this coin really spoke to me when I stumbled upon it and was more affordable than the other coins I've seen of him online. I also know the Quadrans coins without his portrait on them are even cheaper but since I want portraits on my coins this was a nice middle ground (I may make exceptions for someone like Julius Caesar though). The obverse is pretty plain-looking, though I like how the Greek translation of his name "Gaius" is legible on the side along with the first few letters of the word "Caesar." What I love about this coin especially is the gorgeous reverse. I'm not sure who this is, if this is supposed to be a patron god of the region this was minted in but he does have a radiate crown like Apollo or Sol and the club is reminiscent of Herakles. I was thinking he almost looks like a goddess but then I remembered the club and radiate crown are traditional symbols of masculinity so that can probably be ruled out. I like that for as relatively affordable as this coin was it still feels quite unique compared to other Roman coins and is actually quite chunky and thick in hand, like a very small sestertius. Overall if I can only get one coin from Caligula I'm glad it was this one from Praefectus Coins. Pontus. Comana. Gaius (Caligula), 37-41. Diassarion Orichalcum, 23 mm. 11.5 gm. CY 4 = 37/8. Obv: ΓΑΙΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑP, Laureate head of Gaius to right. Rev. ΚΟΜΑΝⲰΝ - ЄΤΟΥϹ / Δ Radiate and draped male bust to right, club before. Amandry-Rémy, Comana 3-7. RPC I 2158. Rare.
I'm also excited for you; well done! I have a halfway decent As example in the old, not photographed, section of the collection, but a decrepit ex-Waddell sestertius is about what I can muster in the photographed section. My one purchase from Praefectus was also satistfactory. I'd definitely buy from him again.
Thank you! That's cool that you have either of those! And I like Praefectus too, they seem to have a solid collection of coins, I'll buy more if another coin happens to catch my eye.
A nice purchase, Codera! I imagine it has a nice chunky feeling in hand. Satisfying when there's a sense of value, too. I was also considering one of the quadrans, but I also want coins with a portrait. However, I think I'd like to pick up a Caligula quadrans soon. I'll share my own recent quadrans of Trajan which does have the portrait (image from Naumann auctions).
I "accidently" purchased my Caligula as it was sold as a Britannicus: Province, City - Reign: Ionia, Smyrna – Caligula Gaius Calpurnius Aviola (proconsul) ; Menophanes Denomination: AE 17 Mint: Smyrna (37 – 38 AD) Size: 17.0 mm Weight: 3.68 g 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 I, 2473 (specimen #31)
A happy little accident it looks like! I've heard Caligula coins are among the harder ones to get so to stumble upon one has to be very satisfying.
