Sale: Nomos 10, Lot: 112. Estimate CHF2750.  Closing Date: Sunday, 17 May 2015.  Sold For CHF3600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Philippopolis, Thrace. Caracalla, 198-217. Hexassarion or Medallion (Bronze, 36mm, 22.59 g 12), 214. V V C V C Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla to right. Rev. E / / Richly ornamented agonistic table; on top, prize crown inscribed V ; below, palm and amphora. Varbanov 1420. Rare. A very well struck coin with a powerful portrait of Caracalla and a splendid dark green patina. Extremely fine.

The Pythian Games were refounded by Caracalla in Thrace, and they were especially celebrated at Philippopolis, which produced a commemorative coinage bearing numerous types related to the event. This piece shows one of the elaborate crowns given to the victor: it is carefully named so that we can have not doubt to which festival it relates.