An interesting Caracalla

[Bacchus]

I noticed this particular coin a while ago and was interested both in the way the reverse was depicted (which is quite unusual with the jugate busts) but also in the underlying crescent and the radiate crown.

This coin was (I think) issued between 201 and 206, while the antoninianus which Caracalla introduced came in at the start of 215 - with the empress's  version having the crescent as the distinguishing feature.

Did this earlier, and similarily placed, use of the crescent have some other meaning?  (the radiate crown I know more about).   

many thanks

Malcolm

[curtislclay]

Malcolm,

The message is that eternal harmony characterizes the relationship between Septimius and Julia just as it characterizes that between the sun and the moon. 

Therefore Septimius has the rays of Sol while Julia is given the stephane and crescent of Luna.

No denominational significance as later on the antoniniani!

[Bacchus]

Thank you Curtis for that information.  I had wondered at the coincidence in the use of both symbols a decade before the 'new' denomination was introduced - but I can see how the crescent was the obvious choice for the Empress and the mint masters probably saw it as obvious as well - a true case of Occams razor.

I still think the coin is an interesting one, though unfortunately rare (as always seems to be the case)

Thanks again

Malcolm

[mix_val]

A neat explanation and coin.  I particularly like the way Septimius stares confidently forward while Julia has eyes demurely downcast.

[Ardatirion]

Bacchus, that is a wonderful coin! Not only is it a high quality, well struck and well preserved piece, but the symbolism on it is truly amazing.

The message is that eternal harmony characterizes the relationship between Septimius and Julia just as it characterizes that between the sun and the moon.

Its like two lovers carving their name on a tree; only the Roman emperors used denarii for this!!

[basemetal]

What a lovely coin Bacchus!
The positioning of the two head on the coin also reminds me of a British couple in a car where the male driver is convinced that he knows the directions while his wife consults a road map with no hope of her husband listening to her advice.  Sorry, these things just pop into my head! 
Bruce