Ancient Rome - AD 198-217 Caracalla AV Aureus NGC AU

Caracalla AV Aureus. Rome Mint, AD 205. Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. 7.26g. Obverse: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust to right. Reverse: PONTIF TR P VIII COS II, Mars standing to left, right foot on helmet, holding olive branch and reversed spear. References: RIC IV 80b; BMCRE 476 note (Septimius & Caracalla); Calicó 2778. This is an attractive, lustrous piece that would be the dramatic centerpiece of a collection of ancient coinage.

When Septimius Severus focused his efforts upon the establishment of his new dynasty, he did not shy away from pushing his young sons into the public sphere, for they were vital to presenting an impression of both longevity and continuous succession. In an effort to link his dynasty with the Antonine Dynasty, Septimius gave Caracalla a new name: Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus Augustus.

He also bestowed on him the title of Caesar in AD 196, and by AD 198, two short years later, at the youthful age of ten, Caracalla was raised to the rank of Augustus, thereby appointing him co-emperor with his father. It is consequently no surprise to see Caracalla depicted as a youth upon this coin, before the cruel and brutal persona that came to stamp his reign was on public display. However, upon this AD 205 coin, Caracalla is imbued with the ideals of valor, manliness, superiority, bravery, integrity and merit—traits that were inherent in the Roman understanding of virtue (virtus).

Bust of Caracalla on display at the Museo Nazionale Romano, circa 212-215 AD. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Caracalla, 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 the Roman Empire.