CNG 88, Lot: 882. Estimate $1500. Sold for $2500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MYSIA, Pergamum. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Medallion (44mm, 40.35 g, 6h). M. Caerelius Attalus, strategus. Struck AD 214/5. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on shoulder; cuirass decorated with aegis; c/m: pellet within wreath; all in incuse / Caracalla standing left, holding scepter, raising hand toward Aesculapius standing facing, leaning on serpent-entwined staff; a small figure of Telesphoros on basis between. For coin: SNG France 2241 (same dies); for c/m: Howgego 480. VF, green patina, traces of earthen overtones. Rare.

From Group CEM. Ex Sternberg XI (20 November 1981), lot 270.

Caracalla visited the temple of Pergamene Aesculapius as he moved east to confront the Parthians in AD 214/5. There, he participated in its rites, which included sleeping within the temple precinct and having the dreams incurred thereby interpreted. To commemorate this event, a number of huge medallic bronzes, including this coin, were issued.