ROMAN. Gaius (Caligula). A.D. 37-41. Bronze Sestertius (29.30g). Rome mint. Struck A.D. 37-38. C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS P M TR POT, Pietas seated left, holding patera and resting arm on small draped figure standing facing on base, PIETAS in exergue / DIVO AVG S C, Gaius standing left, holding patera over garlanded altar; victimarius holding bull for sacrifice and attendant holding 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. gVF. Despite his enduring reputation as one of the most controversial Roman emperors, Caligula produced coinage of considerable artistic and ideological refinement. This sestertius, struck early in his reign (A.D. 37-38), portrays the emperor performing a sacrifice before the temple of his deified grandfather, Divus Augustus. The reverse displays remarkable architectural precision, including the garlanded hexastyle temple, sculptural roof statuary, and pedimental decoration echoing the sacrificial ritual below. Standing before the altar and holding a patera, Caligula asserts his piety and emphasises his dynastic connection to Augustus' divine status. (P)

Estimate: AUD 3000