Pergamon (AD 198-217) AE 44 - Caracalla

Caracalla, 198-217 AD. AE44 - Medallion (40.35g, 6h). M. Caerelius Attalus, strategus. Struck 214/5 AD. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on shoulder; cuirass decorated with aegis; countermark: pellet within wreath; all in incuse / Caracalla standing left, holding scepter, raising hand toward Aesculapius standing facing, leaning on serpent-entwined staff; a small figure of Telesphoros on basis between. VF, green patina, traces of earthen overtones. Rare. From Group CEM. Ex Sternberg XI (11/1981), lot 270.

Caracalla visited the temple of Pergamene Aesculapius as he moved east to confront the Parthians in AD 214/5. 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.

File information
Filename:	88000882.jpg
City/Mint name:	Pergamon
Keywords:	roman / bronze
References:	For coin: SNG France 2241 (same dies); for c/m: Howgego 480
Valuation:	CNG Auc. 88 (9/2011), lot 882 ($2,500 + comm)
Photo courtesy of:	Classical Numismatic Group - www.cngcoins.com
Filesize:	95 KiB
Date added:	Oct 29, 2011
Dimensions:	800 x 379 pixels
Displayed:	471 times
URL:	http://www.asiaminorcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=8196
Favorites:	Add to Favorites