Sale: Nomos 2, Lot: 199. Estimate CHF2500.  Closing Date: Monday, 17 May 2010.  Sold For CHF2100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Caracalla. AD 198-217. Denarius (Silver, 3.47 g 6), Rome, 206. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG Laureate head of Caracalla to right. Rev. LAETITIA - TEMPORVM Circus scene: in the middle, a galley under sail to left; below, wild animals (including a stork, lions, bulls and a bear); above, four racing quadrigas. BMC 508. Cohen 118. Hill 793. RIC 157. Very rare, clear and very attractive. Extremely fine.

This coin commemorates the seven days of spectacles held in the Circus Maximus to celebrate the victory over the Parthians. A ship was built in the arena and from it each day hundreds of animals would be released as part of the show.