Sale: CNG 63, Lot: 1439. Estimate $3000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 May 2003.  Sold For $3550. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CARACALLA. 198-217 AD. Æ Sestertius (20.02 gm). Struck 213 AD. Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Three-quarter aerial view of Circus Maximus, showing obelisk, spina, and chariot race. RIC IV 500a; Cohen 236. VF, brown patina with areas of red and green encrustation on reverse, minor porosity. Very rare and important architectural type. ($3000)

The Circus Maximus type of 213 celebrates Caracalla's restoration of that important Roman landmark. The games probably also mark the extension of citizenship to all inhabitants of the Empire the previous year and the pending departure of Caracalla on his eastern campaigns.