© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Drachm - Caligula IMPERATOR PONT MAX AVG TR POT; Caesarea in Cappadocia
| Silver | 3.5 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Caligula (Caius Augustus Germanicus) (37-41) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 37-38 |
| Value | Drachm = 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.5 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#247180 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Emblems of the pontificate and the augurate: simpulum, left, and lituus, right.
Script: Latin
Lettering: IMPERATOR PONT MAX AVG TR POT
Unabridged legend: Imperator, Pontifex Maximus, Augustus, Tribunicia Potestate
Translation: Supreme commander (Imperator), high priest, emperor (Augustus), holder of tribunician power
Comment
Mass varies: 3.57–3.74 g;Diameter varies: 18–19 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Caligula, who was known for his controversial and often tyrannical rule, yet the coin's inscription describes him as "IMPERATOR PONT MAX AVG TR POT," which translates to "Emperor, Supreme Pontiff, Augustus, Tribune of the Plebeians." This contrast between Caligula's actual reputation and the positive image presented on the coin may reflect the propaganda efforts of the Roman Empire to maintain a positive public image of its rulers.
