Rome: 39-40 AD Bronze As Caligula, Vesta (RARE)

Rome: 39-40 AD Bronze As Caligula, Vesta (RARE)

Catalogue: RIC#47

On the obverse of this coin is depicted the bear headed portrait of Gaius, also known as Caligula. On the reverse is shown the seated Roman goddess Vesta. Caligula lived from 12-41 AD and was part of the famous Julio-Claudian dynasty. He was related to both Augustus and Julius Caesar. The name Caligula means "little boots" and was given to him by his father's soldiers when he was young. He was given the name because of the outfit his mother dressed him up in when he accompanied his father on campaigns. The nickname stayed with him for all his life and helped him gain reputation from the Roman people.