Triton XXII, Lot: 745. Estimate $300. Sold for $325. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MESOPOTAMIA, Carrhae. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Tetradrachm (28mm, 14.17 g, 6h). Struck AD 215-217. AVT K M A ANTΩNЄINOC C-ЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust left / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠA [TO] Δ, eagle standing facing on bull’s head flanked by pellets, head right, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak. Prieur 821; Bellinger –. EF, lightly toned. Scarce and attractive bust type.

From the Michel Prieur Collection. Ex Robert Gait Collection, 756.

While campaigning in the east, Caracalla made a pilgrimage to Carrhae in April AD 217. As the emperor stopped to urinate, he was murdered by the soldier Justin Martialis, who we are told was infuriated with Caracalla after he was passed up for the position of centurion. Macrinus, who accompanied the emperor and encouraged his murder, proclaimed himself emperor shortly thereafter.