Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Caligula

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by the emperor Caligula in 37 or 38 AD. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse has the head of the emperor wearing a laurel wreath and facing to the right. The legend 'C. CAESAR. AVG. GERM. P. M. TR. POT' abbreviates the names of the emperor and some of his titles. The coin is somewhat worn.

Gaius Caesar Germanicus, commonly known as Caligula, became emperor in 37 AD on the death of his great uncle Tiberius. His reign of four years was marked by irrational and cruel behaviour. He spent lavishly and taxed, exhorted and confiscated property to get more money. Few mourned his death when he was assassinated in 41 AD.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-643-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C10453
• Date: 37 - 38
  Minted in 37 or 38 AD
  
• Material: Silver; obverse moderate wear; reverse fairly worn. Inscription: Obv. C . CAESAR . AVG . GERM . P . M . TR . POT; laureate head right / Rev. S . P . Q . R / P P / OB C . S within oak-wreath
  Coin Type: RIC (revised edition) 19
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 7.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC (revised edition) 19
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Gaius (Caligula)
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Empire
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Gaius (Caligula), Rome, AD 37 - 38
  
• References:
  • Sutherland, C.H.V. The Roman Imperial Coinage. From 31 BC to AD 69. Vol. 1, revised ed. London: Spink and Son Ltd, 1984. 
• Translations:
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