Sale: CNG 67, Lot: 1302. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2004.  Sold For $1200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GAIUS (CALIGULA). 37-41 AD. Æ Sestertius (25.56 gm). Rome mint. Struck 40-41 AD. Pietas seated left, holding patera and resting arm on small draped figure standing facing on basis / Gaius standing left, holding patera over garlanded altar; one attendant holding bull for sacrifice, the other holding a patera 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 51; MIR 3, 37-4; BMCRE 69; Cohen 11. VF, Tiber surfaces, pitting on obverse. ($1000)

From the Tony Hardy Collection.

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.