Triton XXII, Lot: 746. Estimate $300. Sold for $325. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MESOPOTAMIA, Carrhae. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 13.94 g, 12h). Struck AD 215-217. AVT K M A ANTΩNЄINOC C-ЄB, radiate head right / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠA TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head right, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; star to upper left, crescent between legs, two pellets in exergue. Prieur 830; Bellinger 159. Choice EF, lightly toned.

From the Michel Prieur Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 41 (19 March 1997), lot 1489.

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.