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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,653 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United Kingdom
1168 Posts |
Though he would have been in his mid to late twenties when this coin was struck, Caligula appears youthful and of pleasant disposition. Not at all like the ruthless despot that he was. However, Philo of Alexandria wrote that Caligula became ruthless after nearly dying of an illness in the eighth month of his reign in 37 AD. Juvenal wrote that he was given a magic potion that drove him insane, and Suetonius said that Caligula suffered from "falling sickness", or epilepsy, when he was young. Interestingly the coin was issued under the magistrate Straton, also shown as Straton Medeos. According to the relevant page in the British Museum web site, his biography is shown as: Magistrate in Aezeni/Aizenoi under the reign of the emperor Caligula (q.v.). Straton held the title Medeos. In office 37-41 AD. I can't find any information regarding Medeos as a title. Did it simply mean magistrate? If so, why would there be many references to Straton Medeos, magistrate? I have not seen any other magistrate referred to as Medeos.  Caligula. 37-41 AD. Provincial Semis (Assarion) of Aezanis in Phrygia. Straton, Medeos (magistrate). Obverse: His laureate head right. Obverse Inscription: ΓAIOC KAIΣAP. Reverse: Zeus standing almost facing, head left, holding eagle and scepter. Reverse Inscription: AIZANITWN EΠI MHΔHOY. Bronze. Diameter: 20mm. Weight 5.09gm. Reference: RPC I 3075; BMC 58. https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/1/3075https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coin/310255 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Nice addition to your Provincials, Jim. Impressive portrait.
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Pillar of the Community
 United Kingdom
1168 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
 Spain
2752 Posts |
Cool coin Jim!...Caligula is always a difficult portrait to acquire especially in his Imperial coinage..I'll be doing the same as you and pick a provincial coin...
A very nice youthful portrait!
Thanks for sharing..
Edited by Palouche
03/22/2023 4:41 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1168 Posts |
Thanks, Paul. The coin was quite affordable too which was nice. I still can't find anything regarding the title "Medeos" though.  |
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
Ahhhh, Jim...very nice acquisition. I must say, your coin is a far better specimen than those examples seen in the links provided. An early portrait that does indeed seem to depict the man in a much more serene way.
I will add, as a child of the 1960's, this portrait makes me think of the "Supermarionation" puppets used in television shows like 'Thunderbirds' (or 'Supercar'...or 'Fireball XL5'). Strange...and totally awesome!
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1168 Posts |
Thanks, Mike. This is another coin that is better in hand than the advertised image showed. Quote:
I will add, as a child of the 1960's, this portrait makes me think of the "Supermarionation" puppets used in television shows like 'Thunderbirds' (or 'Supercar'...or 'Fireball XL5').  They do say that there is nothing new in the world, just a variation.  |
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
Jim...I rest my case.  Gaius Tracy...Thunderbirds are GO! |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1168 Posts |
You nailed it, Mike.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2213 Posts |
I remember watching Fireball XL5.
Edited by livingwater
03/30/2023 12:47 pm
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
As do I, livingwater. I remember having a Fireball XL5 bookbag for school. Those shows really fired my imagination! Which I suppose is obvious, since I'm apparently seeing those characters in ancient coin portraits. *shaking head* Strannnnnnge.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,653 |
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Posted 03/16/2023 1:28 pm
