Pergamon (AD 198-217) AE 45 - Caracalla

Caracalla, 198-217 AD. AE45 - Medallion (47.49g, 45mm, 6h). M. Caerelius Attalus, strategus. Struck 214-215 AD. ΑVΤ[Ο] ΚPΑΤ Κ [ΜΑP]ΚΟC ΑVP ΑΝΤ[Ω]Ν[ΕΙΝΟC], laureate and cuirassed bust right, cuirass decorated with aegis; c/m: pellet within wreath; all in incuse / ΕΠΙ CΤPΑ Μ [ΚΑΙΠΕ]Λ ΑΤΤΑΛΟC ΠΕPΓΑΜ[ΗΝΩΝ] ΠΡΟ ΤΩΝ Γ [ΝΕΟΚΟP]ΩΝ, Caracalla standing left, holding sceptre in left hand, raising right hand toward serpent coiled around tree; a small figure of Telesphoros on basis between. Fine, dark brown patina with a few earthen patches. Drewry Coll.

Caracalla visited the temple of Pergamene Asclepius as he moved east to confront the Parthians in 214-215 AD. There, he participated in its rites, which included sleeping within the temple precinct and having the dreams incurred thereby interpreted. To commemorate this event, a number of huge medallic bronzes, including this coin, were issued.