Tarsos (AD 198-217) AE 34 - Caracalla

Caracalla, 198-217 AD. AE34 - Tetrassarion (19.79g, 6h), strck ca 214-217 AD. AΥT KAI M AΥΡ CЄOΥHΡOC ANTΩNЄINOC CЄB Π Π Bust of Caracalla to right, wearing the diadem and robes of a Demiourgos / ANTΩNIANHC CЄVHPIAN AΔPIA / TAPCOV /A M K / Γ B On left and right, two nude athletes standing facing each other and flanking a four legged table on which is an elaborate prize crown and two vases; below the table, amphora. Lovely green patina with earthen highlights. Rough surfaces as found, otherwise, EF. From the M Coll, ex LHS 95, 25 Oct 2005, 831.

The reverse shows the victors of the "Antonian, Severan and Hadrianic Games" at Tarsos - these were also honorary titles for the city itself. The letters on the reverse field are also honorifics: "First, Biggest and Most Beautiful" "Ruler over the three districts of the province, and holder of two temples of the Imperial cult". Tarsos was especially fond of such titles.