Claiming an Illustrious Founder

273, Lot: 149. Estimate $300. Sold for $950. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SYRIA, Decapolis. Capitolias. Geta. As Caesar, AD 198-209. Æ (25mm, 12.63 g, 11h). Dated CY 108 (AD 204/5). Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right / KAΠIAΩ (sic) MAK(δων) ΓЄ(νάρχης), bust of Alexander the Great right; H-P (date) across field. Spijkerman 20; Rosenberger 14; SNG ANS -. VF, dark green patina under a layer of earthen deposits.

From the Patrick H. C. Tan Collection.

The legend identifies Alexander as the founder of Capitolias, whose pre-Roman name is unknown us.