281, Lot: 228. Estimate $300. Sold for $350. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MYSIA, Pergamum. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Medallion (43mm, 45.23 g, 6h). Marcus Caerelius Attalus, strategos. Struck AD 214/5. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery on shoulder; cuirass decorated with [aegis]; c/m: pellet within wreath (x2) / Caracalla standing left, holding scepter, raising hand toward Asclepius standing facing, leaning on serpent-entwined staff; Telesphorus on basis between. SNG France 2240 (same dies); for c/m: Howgego 480. Fine, reddish-brown patina, fields smoothed. Rare.

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 series of medallic bronzes were issued.