CILICIA, Tarsus. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ (36mm, 18.21 g, 1h). Struck AD 214/5. Near EF.

Triton XXVI
Lot: 556. Estimated: $ 2 000

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Sold For $ 1 800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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CILICIA, Tarsus. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ (36mm, 18.21 g, 1h). Struck AD 214/5. AVT KAI M AVP CЄVHPOC ANTΩNЄINOC CЄB, Π Π, bust left, clad in the crown and robes of the demiourgos priest; star below / ANTΩNЄINIANHC CЄV[HP AΔPIANH] TAPCOV MHT, A/M/K, ΓB, elephant walking right, carrying two sacks on its back marked XP. Cf. SNG Levante 1047-1048; cf. SNG BN 1541; cf. BMC Lycaonia 196; cf. SNG Copenhagen 364; SNG von Aulock –; cf. McClean 9116 (same obverse die). Green and brown patina. Near EF. Rare, only three specimens in CoinArchives.

The elephant bronzes of Caracalla form a remarkable series of complex types and symbolism relating to the emperor's journey through the eastern provinces in 214/15 AD. Caracalla is portrayed in imperial dress or else in the garb of the chief priest. The elephant bears a variety of gifts and offerings – the kiliarch crown, symbolizing the role of Tarsus as chief city of Cilicia; three palms (probably representing the three districts comprising Cilicia); two sacks containing offerings or money (on the present well-preserved coin the markings on the sacks can just be made out – XP for crisma (sacrificial oil) or crhmata (money); or on a few rare coins, all three items plus a fourth object that may be an imperial eagle. One can imagine a grand procession entering the city, led by a parade of elephants bearing the symbols of imperial might, provincial wealth, civic pride, and sacred piety.

The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.

Triton XXVI – Session Two – Lot 335-673 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 10 January 2023 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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