Medallic Sestertius for the Dedication of the Temple of Divus Augustus

CNG 109, Lot: 627. Estimate $5000. Sold for $3500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. Æ “Medallic” Sestertius (36mm, 30.18 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 37-38. C • CAESAR • AVG • GERMANICVS • P • M • TR • POT • around, PIETAS in exergue, Pietes, veiled and draped, seated left, holding patera in outstretched right hand and resting left arm on small facing figure, draped, on basis / DIVO AVG, S C in two lines across field, 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; BMCRE 41-3; BN 51. Near EF, hard green patina, a few very minor cleaning marks in field. Rare.

From the collection of a Texas Wine Doctor. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 75 (23 May 2007), lot 989.

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.