Roman Imperial: Gaius (Caligula) (AD 37-41). AV aureus (19mm, 7.63 gm, 11h). NGC XF 5/5 - 4/5....

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Rare First Issue Caligula Aureus

Gaius (Caligula) (AD 37-41). AV aureus (19mm, 7.63 gm, 11h). NGC XF 5/5 - 4/5. Lugdunum, 1st issue, AD 37. C•CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT COS, bare head of Caligula right / Radiate head of Divus Augustus right; flanked by two six-pointed stars. Calicó 336b. RIC I 1. Ambered, crisp flans.

Ex Historical Scholar Collection (Heritage Auctions, Auction 3101, 25 August 2022), lot 32103; Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Auction 57 (4 April 2001), lot 1058; Bank Leu, Auction 77 (11 May 2000), lot 522

Born as Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus in AD 12, he soon became the mascot for the army of his father, the popular general Germanicus. During that time, he acquired the nickname "Caligula," or "Little Boots," for the miniature army boots (called caligae) he wore. When his predecessor, Tiberius, finally died in May AD 37, there was much speculation that, in the end, he did not die of natural causes. Suetonius, himself, believed rumors that Caligula had poisoned Tiberius, starved him, and smothered him with a pillow before he fell dead. But he was uniquely unsuited to the task at hand, having no experience in government, finance, or military affairs. He quickly squandered Tiberius' carefully hoarded wealth on frivolous projects, condemned or exiled the most capable men in government, and demanded to be worshipped as a god. After three years of misrule, he was assassinated by a cabal of senators and Praetorian guardsmen led by Cassius Chaerea on 24 January AD 41. Despite being perhaps one of the worst Roman emperors, Caligula's coinage is interesting and attractive.

His portrait on this aureus is more peaceful than his denarii issues and compliments the stoic image on the reverse, depicting his great-grandfather, Augustus, now deified. The second star on the reverse possibly intended to represent Tiberius.

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