RIC I 2 58 (III), AS OF CALIGULA FOR MARCUS AGRIPPA, 37-41 AD
Many Roman Emperors used coins like the one pictured above to promote their reign and influence those in the society. Roman coins were commonly seen to have a portrait of an Emperor or someone with high standing depicted on the obverse, and an image depicted on the reverse to circulate information to the wider public.[1] For example Brutus used coinage with his face on the obverse and two daggers on the reverse, to promote his involved in the assassination of Julius Caesar.[2] Coins were widely circulated throughout the Roman population, allowing for their imagery and legends to be used as a form of propaganda.[3] This coin was issued by Caligula (Gaius Caesar Germanicus) the Roman Emperor who reigned after the death of Tiberius from 37 to 41 AD.[4] This coin was minted and issued sometime during Caligula’s reign and was widely distributed to the public.
The obverse of this coin shows the portrait of Marcus Agrippa, a consul who held a significant position in the reign of Augustus. The image of Marcus Agrippa is circled by the legend M AGRIPPA L F COS III[5] which can be expanded to read Marcus Agrippa L Fillius Consul Tertium. The portrait of Marcus Agrippa used on the obverse of the coin is related to Caligula, as Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa is the biological Grandfather of Caligula. In Roman coinage it was common for Emperors to mint coins that influenced the opinions of the public or to pay their respects to their families. Marcus Agrippa was a family friend of the Emperor Augustus, and excelled in the field of battle.[6] Agrippa was awarded honours by Augustus and the public over the defeat of Marc Antony during the final naval battle in Actium.[7] Agrippa was also said to have “suppressed rebellions, founded colonies, and administered various parts of the Roman Empire.” [8] The presentation of Agrippa on coinage during Caligula’s reign, promotes the familial connections he has to Agrippa, allowing for further respect towards Caligula’s legacy and ancestry. ensured that everyone was to know that Agrippa was family of Caligula and ensured that everyone understood Caligula’s respected history and ancestry.
The reverse of this coin shows the image of a cloaked Neptune holding a trident in his left hand and what is suspected to be a dolphin in his right hand, according to our knowledge of similar coinage.[9] Caligula’s presentation of Neptune on the reverse of the coin could be used to further promote the Naval successes of Agrippa.[10] It is also known that Agrippa was responsible for the building of the Basilica of Neptune, a rectangular hall that was decorated with motifs of the sea, such as shells and dolphins.[11]
The representation of Neptune on the reverse of the coin could also be attributed to the rumoured war Caligula had with the ocean, as outlined in Suetonius. (Suet. Cal. 46-47.) This account from Suetonius details the orders given by Caligula to have his men collect sea shells in their helmets and tunics, as spoils of the sea, claiming that they were owed them by the ocean to the Capital and Palatine. (Suet. Cal. 46-47) The depiction of Neptune on the reverse of the coin, could commemorate Caligula’s battle against the ocean, and further promote his strength to the public of Rome.
The coin also has the letters S.C minted into the reverse of the coin. S.C is representative of the Senatus Consul, meaning the coin was issued by degree of the Senate. This is interesting as the Senate and Caligula had a very hostile relationship throughout his reign. In fact, at one-point Caligula had threatened to have his horse made a Consul as he believed that his horse could do a better job than that of the current Consul. Caligula’s power over the Senate enabled him to do whatever he wanted, this also meant he regularly keep the Senate in a state of fear and humiliated them at any chance he could. (Suet. Cal. 30-35)
The coin as a whole shows Caligula’s constant need to be seen as the rightful ruler of Rome. His use of his Grandfather, a well-known and respected individual in Roman History explores his desire to show his Royal connections. The depiction of recognisable Gods such as Neptune explore his passion and powerful belief that he is of the same standing as the Gods in myth and religion.
References
[1] Mark Cartwright, "Roman Coinage" Ancient History Encyclopedia, accessed 21 September 2018 https://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Coinage/.
[2] Mark Cartwright, "Roman Coinage" Ancient History Encyclopedia, accessed 21 September 2018 https://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Coinage/.
[3] Evans, Jane Derose, "The Legends Of Early Rome Used As Political Propaganda In The Roman Republican And Augustan Periods (Numismatics, Painting, Sculpture)" (1985). Dissertations Available From Proquest. Aai8523409. Https://Repository.Upenn.Edu/Dissertations/Aai8523409
[4] “Caligula," Biography, accessed 23 September 2018 https://www.biography.com/people/caligula-9235253.
[5] Doug Smith, “Abbreviations on Roman Imperial Coins,” Doug Smith’s Ancient Coins, accessed on 12 September 2018 https://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/abb.html
[6] G.W. Bowersock, "Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa | Roman Leader," Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed 12 September 2018, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcus-Vipsanius-Agrippa.
[7] "M. Vipsanius Agrippa (3) - Livius," Livius.Org, accessed 23 September 2018, http://www.livius.org/articles/person/vipsanius-agrippa/vipsanius-agrippa-3/.
[8] G.W. Bowersock, "Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa | Roman Leader," Encyclopedia Britannica, accessed 12 September 2018, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcus-Vipsanius-Agrippa.
[9] Ethan Gruber, “RIC I (Second Edition) Gaius/Caligula 58,” Online Coins of the Roman Empire, accessed 23 September 2018, http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.1(2).gai.58
[10] Doug Smith, “Abbreviations on Roman Imperial Coins,” Doug Smith’s Ancient Coins, accessed on 12 September 2018 https://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/abb.html
[11] "Rome, Baths Of Agrippa - Livius," Livius.Org, accessed 23 September 2018, http://www.livius.org/articles/place/rome/rome-photos/rome-baths-of-agrippa/?.