Watch List notes:

Gaius (Caligula), 37-41. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 34mm, 29.95 g 6), Rome, 37-38. C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT Laureate head of Caligula to left. Rev. S.PQ.R. / P.P / OB.CIVES / SERVATOS all within an oak wreath tied at the bottom. BMC 38. BN 50. Cohen 24. RIC 37. With a fine portrait of Caligula and a very dark olive-green patina. Minor flatness, some remaining deposits and traces of cleaning, otherwise, good very fine.


Ex Nomos 9, 21 October 2014, 216 and from a collection in Switzerland, originally acquired in Vienna.

Gaius is usually known from his nickname, 'Caligula', which came from the soldiers' boots he wore as a child when he was with his father Germanicus on campaign. After Germanicus' assassination in 19, the family's relationship with Tiberius became extremely tense: all the rest, including his mother Agrippina, were either murdered or starved to death on the orders of Tiberius. Nevertheless, as the only surviving heir Gaius became Tiberius' heir, succeeded him in 37, and promptly proceeded to honor the members of his deceased family. Caligula's reign started well but, apparently due to a severe infection, his personality changed and his actions became ever more bizarre and erratic resulting in his own murder in 41.