Caracalla Seeks Cures For His Health

CNG 91, Lot: 515. Estimate $3000. Sold for $4000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MYSIA, Hadrianothera. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Medallion (53mm, 52.90 g, 6h). Aurelius Attalus Moschianus, magistrate. Struck circa AD 214. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, gorgoneion on breastplate, slight drapery on far shoulder / Caracalla standing left, holding spear, clasping hands with Asclepius, holding serpent-staff, being crowned by Tyche, holding cornucopia. One of only two known specimens. For the other see Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 207, lot 296 = Peus 366 (Burstein Collection, 25 October 2000), lot 584 (same obv. die). VF, brown and green surfaces. Struck on an immense flan.

From the R. D. Frederick Collection. Ex Gemini I (11 January 2005), lot 404; Lanz 114 (26 May 2003), lot 508.

Plagued by health problems while journeying to campaign against the Parthians in AD 214, Caracalla visited the temple of Asclepius in Pergamum (see lot 517 below). This medallion may record a visit to a temple of the god of healing in Hadrianothera as well.