Caligula As
Obv. C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, bare head left.
Rev. VESTA S C, Vesta seated left on throne, holding patera and transverse scepter.
Mint: Rome, 37-38 AD.

27/28mm 11.45g

RIC 38; BMC 154.45.

Good very fine, chestnut patina.

The reverse of this bronze coin depicts the image of Vesta, the virgin goddess of the hearth, family, and home. Vesta is shown holding a patera ('libation bowl') in her right hand and a sceptre in the left. Vesta is seen sitting on an ornamental chair/throne which shows her status and divinity. The letters SC are also located on the coin which refers to the Senate’s seal showing the approval of the Senate and the word ‘Vesta’ identifying that it is her in the image. Vesta was an important Goddess in ancient Roman society, with a priesthood, festival and many temples made to honour her.