Caligula Denarius (37-41 AD) - Imperial Legacy and Propaganda

The reign of Caligula, the third Roman emperor, was short yet tumultuous, spanning from 37 to 41 AD. His time in power is often remembered for its notorious excesses, cruelty, and the scandalous behaviour that led to his eventual assassination. However, in the years before his infamous decline, Caligula was keenly aware of the importance of solidifying his rule through imperial propaganda. One of the most telling artifacts from his early reign is the Caligula denarius, minted between 37 and 41 AD, which presents a fascinating glimpse into the use of coinage as a tool for promoting imperial authority and legacy.

The Caligula denarius (37-41 AD) features a carefully crafted design that reflects the emperor’s desire to reinforce his imperial legitimacy and to align himself with the revered legacy of his family, particularly his father, Germanicus, and his grandfather, Augustus. Coinage was one of the most important tools used by Roman emperors to communicate their authority, divine favour, and connection to the past.

Obverse: The Laureate Head of Caligula

The obverse of the coin features a laureate head of Caligula facing right. The laureate crown, a symbol of military victory and imperial authority, was often used on coins to convey the emperor’s connection to military power and success. By presenting Caligula with a laureate crown, the coin emphasizes his role as the ruler of the Roman Empire and as a man of authority who had inherited the military power of his predecessors.

The inscription on the obverse reads: "C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT", which carries multiple layers of significance:

• "C CAESAR" refers to Caligula, establishing his identity as the emperor of Rome. The use of “Caesar” in his name highlights his connection to the Julio-Claudian dynasty, cementing his role as the heir to Augustus and Tiberius.
• "AVG" refers to Augustus, the title of Rome's first emperor. By associating himself with Augustus, Caligula sought to remind the Roman people that he was part of the revered imperial line.
• "GERM" references Caligula’s military victories in Germany, a region that had long been a focal point of Roman military efforts. This inscription not only emphasizes Caligula’s martial prowess but also associates him with the successful campaigns of previous emperors in the Germanic territories.
• "P M" stands for Pontifex Maximus, a title that signifies the emperor's role as the chief priest of Rome. This title connected Caligula to his religious duties and his position as the leader of the Roman state’s religious practices.
• "TR POT" stands for Tribunicia Potestas, meaning "power of the tribune." This title granted the emperor the authority to propose laws and veto actions by other magistrates. It was one of the key components of imperial power and served to remind the people of Rome that Caligula held supreme authority over the state.

Together, the inscription on the obverse underscores Caligula’s imperial legitimacy, his connection to the military, and his divine and religious authority. It reinforces the image of a ruler who inherited the mantle of Augustus and was vested with the full power of the Roman state.

Reverse: The Head of Germanicus

The reverse of the coin features a bare head of Germanicus, Caligula's father, facing right. Germanicus was a beloved general and a prominent figure in the early years of the Roman Empire. His premature death in 19 AD had left a significant impact on the Roman people, and his legacy continued to resonate during Caligula’s reign.

The inscription on the reverse reads: "GERMANICVS CAES P C CAES AVG GERM". This inscription is rich with meaning:

• "GERMANICVS CAES" refers to Germanicus Caesar, the father of Caligula, further emphasizing the dynastic connection between the two. Germanicus was a highly respected figure in Roman history, known for his military successes and his popularity with the Roman people. By associating his image with that of Germanicus, Caligula sought to solidify his own claim to the throne and present himself as the rightful heir to the beloved general.
• "P C CAES" stands for Princeps Civitatis Caesar, which roughly translates to "first citizen Caesar," a term used to describe the emperor’s role as the leading figure in Roman society. By referencing Germanicus in this context, Caligula aimed to present himself as continuing the traditions of good leadership and imperial legacy set by his father.
• "AVG" refers again to Augustus, reinforcing the link between Caligula, his father Germanicus, and the foundational figure of the Roman Empire.
• "GERM" once again highlights Germanicus' connection to military campaigns in the Germanic regions, reinforcing the idea of a strong and victorious Roman Empire, which Caligula sought to uphold.

The reverse of the coin, therefore, pays tribute to Caligula’s father, Germanicus, and solidifies his place within the Julio-Claudian dynasty. It paints Caligula as a rightful heir to the military victories and popularity of his father, while also linking him to the foundational leadership of Augustus.

The Political Message

The Caligula denarius was more than just a piece of currency; it was a tool for reinforcing imperial legitimacy and continuing the legacy of previous emperors. Through the use of carefully chosen imagery and inscriptions, Caligula sought to establish himself as a powerful, military-minded leader who was connected to the revered figures of Augustus and Germanicus. By placing his own laureate image alongside that of his father, he asserted his right to the throne and highlighted the continuity of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

The juxtaposition of Caligula’s portrait with that of Germanicus on the reverse was particularly significant. It not only honoured his father’s memory but also reassured the Roman populace that Caligula would uphold the stability and military strength of the empire. The connection to Germanicus also tapped into the strong emotional appeal of his father’s memory, allowing Caligula to capitalize on the public affection for Germanicus, who had been seen as a hero.

A Coin of Dynastic Continuity

The Caligula denarius from 37-41 AD serves as a striking example of how Roman emperors used coinage to project imperial authority, reinforce dynastic continuity, and shape public perception. Through the laureate head of Caligula and the image of his beloved father Germanicus, this coin communicated messages of legitimacy, military strength, and continuity with the past.

While Caligula’s reign would later be remembered for its infamous excesses and cruelty, this early coinage illustrates a more calculated approach to power. It reflects his awareness of the importance of dynastic legacy and the strategic use of imperial imagery to secure his position as the ruler of the Roman Empire. Ultimately, the Caligula denarius stands as both a product of its time and a tool of imperial propaganda - helping to shape the emperor's legacy long before his eventual fall from power.