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Laodikeia (AD 211-217) AE 42 - Caracalla
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Caracalla, 211-217 AD. AE42 - Medallion (49.16g, 6h). L. Aelius Pigres, Asiarch. Struck 214-217 AD. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Λ AIΛ ΠIΓPHC ACIAPX Γ ANЄΘHKЄN, • ΛAOΔIKЄΩN/NЄΩKOPΩN in exergue, emperor standing right on steps of distyle temple, holding wreath in right hand; on either side, pair of togate figures raising hand in acclamation; behind, troops standing, holding shields and spears; all within precinct enclosure, seen from aerial perspective; enclosure entrance composed of six columns; figure of Hygieia, holding serpent, standing in outer intercolumnations; uncertain figures (Pigres and spouse?) standing facing in central intercolumnation. VF, brown surfaces. An attractive architectural type and extremely rare.
This medallion commemorates an otherwise unknown address of the emperor Caracalla to the leading citizens of Laodicea during that emperor’s advance across Asia Minor to meet the Persians. This issue appears to have been struck as a personal dedication of the Asiarch, as evidenced by the reverse legend.
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