286, Lot: 326. Estimate $200. Sold for $425. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Gaius (Caligula). AD 37-41. Æ Sestertius (35mm, 26.35 g, 6h). 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 flanking; in background, garlanded hexastyle temple of Divus Augustus surmounted by acroteria and statues of Romulus and Aeneas, pediment decorated with sacrificial scene. RIC I 36. Fine, dark brown and tan surfaces, flan flaws on reverse, edge smoothed in areas, presumably for mounting. Rare.

From the R. D. Frederick Collection.

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