Ancient Rome 37-41AD Lugdunum Mint Gaius Caligula Silver Denarius Very Fine (VF20)

Ancient Rome 37-41AD Lugdunum Mint Gaius Caligula Silver Denarius Very Fine (VF20)

Caligula (12–41 CE), born Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, was the third emperor of Rome and ruled from 37 to 41 CE. Initially welcomed as a popular and promising leader after the death of Tiberius, his reign quickly turned infamous due to accounts of extravagance, cruelty, and erratic behavior. Ancient sources describe him as squandering Rome’s wealth on lavish games, monuments, and personal indulgence, while also engaging in acts of brutality and humiliation toward senators and even his own family. Though some stories may have been exaggerated by hostile historians, his rule created deep resentment among the Roman elite. In 41 CE, Caligula was assassinated in a conspiracy led by members of the Praetorian Guard, marking the first time a Roman emperor was killed by his own protectors. Despite his short reign, he remains one of the most notorious figures in Roman history.

Obverse: The bare head of Caligula with the legend around.
Reverse: The head of Augustus, radiate, with one star on either side.

Specifications:
Emperor: Caligula (Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus) (37-41)
Composition: Silver
Weight: Approx. 3.5 g
Diameter: 18 mm
Mint: Lugdunum, Gaul