Ancient Rome - AD 198-217 Caracalla AE Sestertius, NGC Choice XF
SOLD
SKU
6054830007
Rome mint. The obverse offers a bold portrait of a bearded, laureate head of Caracalla, facing right. Surrounding the bust: M AVREL ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM. The reverse presents the Roman god Mars in full armor, resting his left hand on a shield, a spear at his side. In his right hand he holds aloft the goddess Victory. Surrounding the images: IMP TRPX V COS III PP. To the left and right of Mars in the field is found S/C. Bronze Roman coins contained less than the full value of metal. Therefore the commercial value of such coins was back by decree of the Senate--"Senatus Consulto"--or SC. Attractive dark green patina is found on both sides of this example.
Caracalla ( Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus Augustus), 4 April 188--8 April 217, was Roman emperor from 198 to 217. He received the epithet 'Caracalla' from the cloak he often wore of the same name. The eldest son of Septimius Severus, he was a member of the Severan dynasty. He ruled alongside his father from 198 until Severus died in 211. Then he ruled jointly with his brother Geta, with whom he had a difficult relationship. His reign was marked by external invasions from German tribes and domestic instability. Caracalla's rule was notable for the Edict of Caracalla, which provided Roman citizenship to most freemen in the empire. He was known for introducing a new Roman currency called the antoninianus, a kind of double denarius, as well as massacres he ordered against people throughout Rome.
| Grading Service | NONE |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue | NONE |
| Grade | NONE |
| Ancient Year Range | 101-200 AD |
| Denom Type | N/A |
| Numeric Denomination | AE Sestertius |
| Mint Location | NONE |
| Designation | NONE |
| Circ/UnCirc | Not Specified |
| Strike Type | N/A |
| Holder Variety | Strike 5/5; Surface 4/5 |
| Grade Add On | NONE |
| Holder Type | N/A |
