Lot 2150

Description

Caligula, (A.D. 37-41), AE sestertius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 37-38, (24.9 grams), obv. laureate head of Gaius (Caligula) to left, around C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, rev. wreath with legend in four lines, SPQR P P OB CIVES SERVATOS, (cf.S.615, RIC 37, BMC p.157 note). Light green patina spread over the reverse, otherwise good fine and rare.

The reverse alludes to the money as being struck by the Senate and the People of Rome in honour of Gaius for having been the preserver or saviour of the citizens. Gaius as Stevenson notes was one so utterly unworthy as the man, who far from deserving rewards for saving his fellow-citizens, had openly wished that all had one neck that he might dispatch them at one blow. (Vol. vi, 233).