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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 38

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 38. Denomination: As. Authority: Gaius/Caligula. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Caligula, bare, left, with the legend C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT. The reverse shows vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on throne with ornamented back and legs, holding patera in right hand and long transverse sceptre in left, with the legend VESTA S C.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 54.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
23
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, commonly known as Caligula, was the third Roman emperor, ruling from AD 37 until his assassination in AD 41. He succeeded Emperor Tiberius at the age of 24. As an authority in Rome, he issued copper and bronze coins such as the as, an established denomination used throughout the Roman Republic and Roman Empire.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
As

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gaius/Caligula

Design

Obverse
Head of Caligula, bare, left
Reverse
Vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on throne with ornamented back and legs, holding patera in right hand and long transverse sceptre in left
Obverse legend
C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT
Reverse legend
VESTA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 38
Denomination and metal
As, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT
Reverse legend to match
VESTA S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC I (second edition) Gaius/Caligula 54

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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