Watch List notes:

The Roman Empire
Gaius, 37 – 41

As 37-38, Æ 11.12 g. C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT Bare head l. Rev. VESTA Vesta, diademed and veiled, seated l. on throne, holding patera and sceptre; at sides, S – C. C 27. BMC 46. RIC 38. CBN 65.
A magnificent portrait struck in high relief. Dark green patina gently smoothed on
reverse and two minor flaws on the obverse, otherwise good extremely fine

Privately purchased from John Jencek at the NYINC in 2013.

The mostly commonly encountered coin type portraying Caligula is this issue. Minted throughout his short reign and apparently immediately placed into circulation. Almost all surviving specimens show some degree of wear and many are heavily worn from use. Portrait styles tend toward realistic and are rarely sensitive. The use of Vesta on this type would seem to relate to the theme of dynastic issues in the sense that Vesta is the goddess of the hearth and home. The Vestal Virgins, in Rome, maintained a perpetual fire in her honor. The coin type would be frequently repeated by other rulers. MSG.