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Title	Rome, Caligula, AE As, 37-38 AD
Obverse	Caligula's Head Facing Left
Reverse	Vesta Seated Left, Holding Patera and Sceptre
Type/Denomination	AE As
Origin	Rome
Period	37 AD
Description	This coin was produced in 37 AD when Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (referred to by the nickname Caligula), a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, became the 3rd Emperor of Rome. Philo of Alexandria states that at first Caligula was admired by "everyone in all the world, from the rising to the setting sun" not only for being the son of the popular Germanicus, but also for simply not being Tiberius. Although he was fairly popular with the Roman public throughout most of his reign, Caligula appears to have been an extreme tyrant. However, not many details about his reign are known for sure. Not only had Caligula received the title and position of emperor, but he had also inherited Tiberius' estate. Because of this, the virgin goddess Vesta is shown on the reverse of this coin. She was the goddess of the hearth and home, with every meal beginning and ending in an offering to her. She is depicted holding a patera which was used commonly in libations. It appears appropriate for Vesta to be one of the first coins produced during Caligula's reign in order that he might have peace and security in his new dwelling. On the obverse is the head of Caligula.
Publisher	Hillsdale College
Donor	Alwin C. Carus
Collection	Ancient
Accession Number	20050156
Catalog Number	Sear 2000, #1803

Rome, Caligula, AE As, 37-38 AD

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