Three Varieties

Sale: CNG 81, Lot: 1080. Estimate $400.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2009.  Sold For $300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Antoninianus (4.94 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 215-217. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Venus standing facing, head left, holding Victory and scepter, leaning on shield in profile set on helmet. RIC IV 311c; RSC 608. Superb EF, traces of die rust and deposits, light scratch on obverse.

On this and the following two lots, the shield on the reverse of this type is shown to have three varieties. On lot 1080, the shield is seen in profile, and is apparently the usual way it is depicted on similar issues with this type. On lot 1081, the shield is in a frontal aspect, while on lot 1082, the shield is still frontal, but only half of the shield is shown. None of the references apparently differentiate these varieties, which are apparently the result of different engravers, rather than an official change in design.