The ancient Roman emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus is remembered today by his nickname, Caligula. With a moniker that still inspires dread and fascination, Caligula continues to unnerve us. This extends to coin collectors as well, for a Caligula coin is a highly collectible and visceral, physical link back to the vicious ruler’s reign.
Caligula means “little boots”; it was a childhood nickname he never liked. But by the time he came to power as a young man in the year 37, Caligula was already, many say, a sociopath. His cute nickname did not fit him at all; it’s a cruel irony of history. Collectible Caligula Roman coins date from his short 4-year time as leader of the vast Roman Empire. After an eventful four years he was assassinated in 41 AD.
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Caligula Coin Facts
Caligula coins for sale these days can be very pricey. Buyers with more modest budgets may find the occasional authentic Caligula coin for sale at a lower price, but it may be in rougher condition. Of course, this is perfectly acceptable to many buyers who just want a real piece of history. Certain items, such as the famous Caligula 3 sisters coin, are rarely seen for sale and can go for tens of thousands of dollars in top condition.
But, while Caligula’s enduring infamy has driven up the price of his coins, so too has his notoriety made the Caligula coin marketplace an especially lively one. Actual currency held and used by Roman citizens under the rule of Caligula can be an emotional and riveting thing to hold in ones hand. For this reason, the demand is up but also the supply is similarly bountiful. Few people who discover a Caligula coin in an attic or in some old collection will toss it aside for later. They’ll either enshrine it in their own collection… or sell it.
Browse 114 current Caligula coins for sale offers here
Buying Caligula Coins Today
The greatest place to buy a Caligula coin now is, of course, online. A local coin dealer may have the occasional Caligula coin in stock, but the selection online can be amazing and the prices much lower. When buying a Caligula coin from an internet seller, be sure there are several good scans of the piece so you can properly get an idea of its condition, size, and inscriptions. Also make sure the dealer has some kind of guarantee and/or good feedback ratings from other buyers.
If you can’t afford a real Caligula coin, or just want to see what one might have looked like when it was freshly minted, you may also look for modern Caligula replica coins. These will be clearly marked as fakes, and are intended as fun items for coin lovers, not as scams.
See also: Nero rare Roman coins for collectors and other buyers
Ancient CALIGVLA coins have many fans among the world’s numismatists. Remember that Little Booties ruled for a short and chaotic time; there may be fewer Caligula Roman coins for sale than there are for other rulers. Caligula’s grand uncle Tiberius, who ruled before him, and even his uncle successor Claudius, may be easier to find coins from.
But they don’t have quite the same sense of wonder and awe as a coin from a man regarded as one of history’s strangest, most controversial, and most debauched men. Looking for a Caligula coin for your own collection? Welcome to a depraved corner of coin collecting. Enjoy!
