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CILICIA, Aegeae. temp. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Tetradrachm (27mm, 11.05 g, 6h). Dated CY 263 (AD 216/7). Bust of Asclepius right, wearing taenia and with slight drapery on both shoulders; to right, serpent-entwined staff / Statue of Asclepius standing facing, head left, leaning on serpent-entwined staff, within octastyle temple; below, goat right; Γ-Ξ/C (date) across field. Haymann 110a. Toned, light porosity. VF. Extremely rare, only one known to Haymann.
As patron deity of Aegeae, which was renowned for its doctors, the appearance of Asclepius is not surprising, but the type must also allude to Caracalla’s well being. The emperor’s health had declined precipitously in the final years of his reign. On his way to campaign in the east in AD 214, he visited the great shrine of Asclepius at Pergamum in hopes of finding a cure. This visit was commemorated with a remarkable series of medallions issued at Pergamum, and around the same time Asclepius was honored on Caracalla’s imperial coinage. The exact circumstances that led to this rare tetradrachm being struck at Aegeae are unknown. It is possible that Caracalla visited the important port town on his journey east.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 127 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 17-18 September 2024. This lot is in Session Two, which will begin 17 September at 2 PM ET.
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