Watch List notes:

The Roman Empire
Gaius, 37 – 41

Sestertius 39-40, Æ 28.40 g. C CAESAR DIVI AVG PRON AVG P M TR P III P P Pietas, veiled and draped, seated l., holding patera in outstretched r. hand and resting l. arm on statue of Spes; in exergue, PIETAS. Rev. DIVO – AVG / S – C Gaius, veiled and togate, offering from patera above altar before elaborately decorated hexastyle temple of Divus Augustus, garlanded for sacrifice; before and partly behind him, an attendant restrains bull, while a second attendant looking l. holds another patera. C 2. BMC p, 156, *. RIC 44. CBN 100.
Struck on a very broad flan and complete. Pleasant dark
brown-green tone and about extremely fine

Ex NAC 18, 2000, 438 and NAC 46, 2008, 502 sales.

In 37 AD the temple of Divus Augustus was completed on the Palatine Hill and its dedication was performed the last two days of August that year – the month renamed in honor of Augustus. Caligula, as Pontifex Maximus, led the sacrificial ceremonies. This coin commemorates that dedication and ceremony. The events coordinated with the dedication were extravagant and the city was brought to a virtual standstill so that everyone would be able to attend.

The temple was destroyed by fire but rebuilt in 89/90 under the rule of Domitian although he added his father and brother to the roster of those being honored, along with Minerva, his favorite deity. The temple was further restored in the 150's AD under Antoninus Pius. The temple was eventually destroyed and its foundations have not been excavated. MSG.