Caracalla’s Tenth Anniversary

Sale: CNG 75, Lot: 1092. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2007.  Sold For $550. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius (3.35 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 208. Laureate head right / Caracalla standing right, sacrificing out of patera over tripod; before, Victimarius raising axe to strike bull; behind, flute-player facing. RIC IV 205; RSC 684. VF, lightly toned, just a hint of porosity, hairline flan crack. Rare.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 57 (4 April 2001), lot 1336.

This outstanding reverse type refers to the vows completed by Caracalla for his first decade as Augustus, and his taking of additional vows. The sacrificing of a bull was a customary accompaniment when the vows were completed.