Sale: CNG 70, Lot: 634. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 September 2005.  Sold For $550. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

[Roman Provincial] CARIA, Stratonicea. Caracalla and Geta. 198-212 AD. Æ 41mm (25.02 g, 6h). Hierocles, magistrate. Confronted laureate and draped busts of Caracalla and Geta [the bust of Geta erased]; c/m: laureate bearded bust of Caracalla right in circle / Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm. For coin: SNG Copenhagen -; SNG von Aulock 2684; for c/m: Howgego 84. Near VF, dark green patina, a bit rough. ($300)

This countermark, featuring the mature bust of Caracalla, may be intended to emphasise the supremacy of Caracalla following the death of his hated brother, Geta. The message is even more apparent on this coin, where both the portrait and name of Geta have been subjected to the damnatio.