© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Caligula S P Q R PP OB CS
40 year| Gold | 7.7 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Caligula (Caius Augustus Germanicus) (37-41) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 40 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.7 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#247144 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Legend in three lines in oak-wreath.
Script: Latin
Lettering: S P Q R PP OB CS
Translation:
Senatus Populusque Romanus, Pater Patriae, Ob Cives Servatos.
The senate and the Roman people to the father of the nation, the saviour of the citizens.
Comment
Mass varies: 7.45–7.96 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus coin of Caligula is that it features a unique reverse design, depicting the Roman goddess of victory, Victoria, standing on the prow of a ship, with her right hand holding a trophy and her left hand resting on the ship's sail. This design was meant to symbolize the Roman Empire's naval supremacy and military prowess during Caligula's reign.
