CaligulaDivoAugSestertius2

AE Caligula Sestertius 37-41 A.D. (29.4g) minted 40-41; this temple is thought to have been located behind the Basilica Julia in a depression between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills which has not yet been excavated. O: C CAESAR DIVI AUG PRON AUG PM TR P IIII PP; Pietas veiled, seated l. hldg patera in r. hand and resting l. arm on small draped figure; in ex., PIETAS; BMC 69 (same rev. die); RIC 51 R: DIVO AUG S C; Emperor stg l., togate and veiled, hldg patera in r. hand over garlanded altar; attendant stdg to l. with axe in belt hldg sacrificial bull; attendant on r. holds patera in l. hand. Frontal view of the temple of Divus Augustus in the background; a large hanging garland decorates the temple; the pediment is decorated with a central figure hldg scepter and patera flanked by four other figures; above the pediment is a central quadriga facing between two Victories hldg wreaths above their heads; figure of Mars on l. and a group of Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius on r. G: ex NAC 7, 680, 1994; ex Leu 53,200, 1991; ex Buddy Ebsen collection Superior Oct.1987, lot 4327 (realized $5390); "Pleasant golden brown patina"; EF S: Edward J. Waddell, Ltd. 1/16/98