Medallic Sestertius for the Dedication of the Temple of Divus Augustus

Sale: CNG 75, Lot: 989. Estimate $5000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2007.  Sold For $6100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. Æ “Medallic” Sestertius (30.30 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 37-38. Pietas seated left, holding patera and resting arm on small draped figure standing facing on basis / Gaius standing left, holding patera over garlanded altar; victimarius holding bull for sacrifice and attendant holding a patera standing on either side; garlanded hexastyle temple of Divus Augustus in background; pediment decorated with sacrificial scene; quadriga and Victories as acroteria; statues of Romulus and Aeneas along roof line. RIC I 36. Near EF, hard green patina with traces of red, light scratches in fields. Rare.

This coin commemorates the dedication of the temple of Divus Augustus, completed in 37 AD, with a remarkable scene of Gaius Caligula in his role of pontifex maximus leading the sacrificial ceremonies.