Ancient Roman Empire CALIGULA Bronze Sestertius Coin 37-41AD

Ancient Roman Empire CALIGULA Bronze Sestertius Coin 37-41 AD Pietas Caesar Aug Roman Empire, Caligula Year: 37-41 AD Mint: Rome Denomination: Sestertius, Bronze Weight: 24.73 grams Diameter: 35mm Reverse: , Legend "DIVO-S AVG- C" Temple of Divus Augustus (First Emperor of Rome), quadriga above, Caligula in front as master of ceremony dedicating the temple with constituents and sacrificing animals, veiled and togate, sacrificing with patera over altar, one attendant leads a bull another behind (Excellent centering) Obverse: Legend "C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG PM TR P III PP/ PIETAS", Pietas seated left, holding patera and resting left elbow on statuette. A highly sought after coin with historical significance. The reverse of this magnificent type commemorates the completion of the temple of Divus Augustus, built on the Palatine Hill on the site of the house that Augustus had inhabited before he entered public life. Vowed by the Roman Senate shortly after the death of the first emperor of Rome in AD 14, it was not finished until AD 37, whereupon it was dedicated over the last two days of August that year - the month renamed in honour of Augustus. Caligula, as Pontifex Maximus, led the sacrificial ceremonies. According to Cassius Dio (59.7.4), the commemorative events ordered by Caligula were exceptionally extravagant: a two-day horse race took place along with the slaughter of 400 bears and "an equal number of wild beasts from Libya", and Caligula postponed all lawsuits and suspended all mourning "in order that no one should have an excuse for failing to attend". The last known reference to the temple was on 27 May AD 218; at some point thereafter it was completely destroyed and its stones were presumably quarried for later buildings; the site has never been excavated and its original appearance must be reconstructed only from its depictions on the Roman coinage of which the present type is the most significant. A scarce and beautiful example of a large Julio Medallic type sestertius coin. A more visually appealing example than other similar types available in this grade. Excellent centering, near perfect coin alignment. Fantastic strike, Excellent symmetry and attractive patina.