Gaius 'Caligula' (AD 37-41). AE sestertius (34mm, 26.70 gm, 7h). ANACS XF40, smoothed. Rome, AD 37-38. C•CAESAR•AVG•GERMANICVS•P•M•TR•POT / PIETAS, Pietas seated left, patera in right hand, resting arm on small draped figure standing facing on base / DIVO-AVG, Gaius, togate, standing facing, veiled head left, patera in right hand over altar, secespita in left; victimarius (on left), standing right, holding bull for sacrifice; attendant (on right), standing facing, head left, patera at side in left hand, all before hexastyle temple of Divus Augustus, pediment decorated with sacrificial scene, quadriga and Victories as acroteria, statues of Romulus and Aeneas along roof line, S-C across fields. RIC I 36. Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 111 (29 May 2019), lot 661; Numismatica Genevensis SA I (27 November 2000), lot 142; Triton III (30 November 1999), lot 994 Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus was born in AD 12 and soon became the mascot for the army of his father, the popular general Germanicus. Here he acquired the nickname "Caligula," or "Bootikins," for the miniature army boots (called caligae) he wore. When the hated Tiberius finally died in May AD 37, the 25-year-old Caligula came to the Roman throne with a huge reservoir of public goodwill. 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 the worst of all Roman emperors, Caligula's coinage is interesting and attractive. He was the first ruler to place his portrait on Rome-mint issues of the largest denomination, the sestertius.

HID09801242017

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