Classical Numismatics Discussion - Members' Coin Gallery
  Welcome Guest. Please login or register. Share Your Collection With Your Friends And With The World!!! A FREE Service Provided By Forum Ancient Coins No Limit To The Number Of Coins You Can Add - More Is Better!!! Is Your Coin The Best Of Type? Add It And Compete For The Title Have You Visited An Ancient Site - Please Share Your Photos!!! Use The Members' Coin Gallery As A Reference To Identify Your Coins Please Visit Our Shop And Find A Coin To Add To Your Gallery Today!!!

Member Collections | Members' Gallery Home | Login | Album list | Last uploads | Last comments | Most viewed | Top rated | My Favorites | Search
Image search results - "213,"
6s.jpg
Constantine I, RIC VII 213, 319 CE Trier. Obverse:IMP CONSTAN-TINVS MAX AVG, laureate, helmeted and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP, two Victories holding shield inscribed VOT PR over altar. Altar type Helv. 5a2 (a star).
Mintmark dot-STR. 3.6 g, 17.7 mm
RIC VII Trier 213
NORMAN K
8479.jpg
ROME
PB Tessera (18mm, 4.11 g, 12 h)
Cybele riding right on lion, holding transverse scepter
Attis standing right, wearing Phrygian cap, holding long scepter and ears of grain
Rostowzew 3213, pl. X, 14 var. (no legend); München 631 var. (same); BM 1356-9 var. (same)
1 commentsArdatirion
027_Traianus_(98-117_A_D_),_RIC_II_0010,_AR-Den,_IMP_CAES_NERVA_TRAIAN_AVG_GERM,_P_M_TR_P_COS_II_P_P,_98-99AD,_Q-001,_6h,_18-19mm,_3,27g-s.jpg
027 Traianus (98-117 A.D.), Rome, RIC II 0010, AR-Denarius, P•M•TR•P•COS•II•P•P•, Victory seated left, #1027 Traianus (98-117 A.D.), Rome, RIC II 0010, AR-Denarius, P•M•TR•P•COS•II•P•P•, Victory seated left, #1
avers: IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, Laureate, head right.
reverse: P•M•TR•P•COS•II•P•P•, Victory seated left holding patera and palm.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 18,0-19,0mm, weight: 3,27g, axis: 6h,
mint: Rome, date: 98-99 A.D.,
ref: RIC II 10, RSC 213,
Q-001
quadrans
goth6.jpg
054a09. Claudius GothicusAE Antoninianus. Antioch mint. 268-270 AD. Obv: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, radiate and draped bust left. Rev: IVVENTVS AVG, Hercules standing facing, head left, holding club and lion's skin. No mintmark. RIC 213, Sear 11344.lawrence c
067_Maximus,_(235-238_A_D__as_Caesar),_AE-Sest_,_MAXIMVS_CAES_GERM,_PRINCIPI_IVVENTVTIS,_S-C,_Rome,_BMCRE_213_,_RIC_13_,_235-38_AD,_Q-001,_0h,_29-30mm,_18,73g-s.jpg
067 Maximus (235-238 A.D. as Caesar), Roma, RIC IV 13, AE-Sestertius, PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Caesar standing left in military attire, #1067 Maximus (235-238 A.D. as Caesar), Roma, RIC IV 13, AE-Sestertius, PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Caesar standing left in military attire, #1
avers: MAXIMVS CAES GERM, Bare, draped bust right.
reverse: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Caesar standing left in military attire, holding short scepter and transverse spear, two standards behind.
exergue: S/C//--, diameter: 29,0-30,0mm, weight: 18,73g, axis: 0h,
mint: Roma, date: 235-238 AD.,
ref: RIC IV 13, BMCRE 213, Cohen 14, BMC 213, RCTV 8411,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
076-Philippus-II_AR-Ant_M-IVL-PHILIPPVS-CAES_AETERNITAS-AVG-G_RIC-IV-III-213_Rome_244-46-AD_Q-001_h_mm_g-s.jpg
076a Philippus II. (244-7 A.D., Caes, 247-9 A.D. Aug.), RIC IV-III 213, Rome, AR-Antoninianus, IOVI CONSERVAT, Jupiter standing right, #1076a Philippus II. (244-7 A.D., Caes, 247-9 A.D. Aug.), RIC IV-III 213, Rome, AR-Antoninianus, IOVI CONSERVAT, Jupiter standing right, #1
avers:- M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- IOVI CONSERVAT, Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre.
exergo: -/-//--, diameter: mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 244-246 A.D., ref: RIC-IV-III-213, RSC 13, Sear 2650,
Q-001
Note: RIC questions whether the mint is Rome or Antioch. Seaby states that it is probably Antioch.
quadrans
076-Philippus-II_AR-Ant_M-IVL-PHILIPPVS-CAES_AETERNITAS-AVG-G_RIC-2213_Rome_244-46-AD_error_Q-002_h_mm_g-s.jpg
076a Philippus II. (244-7 A.D., Caes, 247-9 A.D. Aug.), RIC IV-III 213, Rome, AR-Antoninianus, IOVI CONSERVAT, Jupiter standing right, #2, Error coin !076a Philippus II. (244-7 A.D., Caes, 247-9 A.D. Aug.), RIC IV-III 213, Rome, AR-Antoninianus, IOVI CONSERVAT, Jupiter standing right, #2, Error coin !
avers:- M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers:- IOVI CONSERVAT, Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre.
exergo: -/-//--, diameter: mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Rome, date: 244-246 A.D., ref: RIC-IV-III-213, RSC 13, Sear 2650,
Q-002
Note: RIC questions whether the mint is Rome or Antioch. Seaby states that it is probably Antioch.
quadrans
RI 087f img~0.jpg
087 - Gordian III Antoninianus - RIC 213Obv:– IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right, seen from back
Rev:– ORIENS AVG, Sol standing left, right hand raised in salute and left hand holding out a globe
Minted in Antioch. A.D. 242 - 244
Reference:– Van Meter 31, RIC 213, RSC 167
Weight 4.14 gms
Dimensions 24.09mm
maridvnvm
RI 087t img.jpg
087 - Gordian III Antoninianus - RIC 213 (fouree core)Obv:– IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right, seen from back
Rev:– ORIENS AVG, Sol standing left, right hand raised in salute and left hand holding out a globe
Minted in Antioch. A.D. 242 - 244
Reference:– Van Meter 31, RIC 213, RSC 167
Weight 3.20 gms
Dimensions 22.59mm
maridvnvm
normal_jovian~0.jpg
098a. JovianAugustus June 363-February 364.

Hastily made emperor by soldiers after death of Julian II. Reinstated Christianity as the official religion. Due to the situation, made a bad peace with the Sasanids. Subsequently either died or was killed while travelling.

Coin: Bronze double maiorina. 30.2mm, 9.163 g. 1st officina, Thessalonica (Salonika, Greece) mint, 27 Jun 363 - 17 Feb 364 A.D. Obv: D N IOVIANVS P F P P AVG (Our lord Jovianus, dutiful, fortunate, father of the coutntry, emperor), pearl diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev: VICTORIA ROMANORVM (to Roman victory), Jovian standing facing, head right, labarum (Chi-Rho Christogram Standard) in right hand, Victory on globe in left hand offering him and Chi-Rho standard, •TESA• in exergue; rare with pearl diadem. RIC VIII Thessalonica 236 (R), SRCV V 19213, Cohen VIII 23, LRBC II 1700 var. (rosette diademed).
A FORUM coin.
lawrence c
jovian.jpg
098a03. JovianAE1. 30.2mm, 9.163 g. 1st officina, Thessalonica (Salonika, Greece) mint, 27 Jun 363 - 17 Feb 364 A.D.
Obv: D N IOVIANVS P F P P AVG (Our lord Jovianus, dutiful, fortunate, father of the coutntry, emperor), pearl diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev: VICTORIA ROMANORVM (to Roman victory), Jovian standing facing, head right, labarum (Chi-Rho Christogram Standard) in right hand, Victory on globe in left hand offering him and Chi-Rho standard, •TESA• in exergue; rare with pearl diadem. RIC VIII Thessalonica 236 (R), SRCV V 19213, Cohen VIII 23, LRBC II 1700 var. (rosette diademed). A FORUM coin.
lawrence c
104_Claudius_II__(268-270_A_D_),IMP_C_CLAVDIVS_AVG,_IVVENTVS_AVG,_Delta,_T-1022,_Antioch,_iss-1,_off-4,_268-9,_Q-001,_h,_19mm,_4,08g-s.jpg
104 Claudius II. (268-270 A.D.), T-1022 (Estiot), RIC V-I 104var., Antioch, AE-Antoninianus, IVVENTVS AVG, -/-//Δ, Hercules standing, facing, #1104 Claudius II. (268-270 A.D.), T-1022 (Estiot), RIC V-I 104var., Antioch, AE-Antoninianus, IVVENTVS AVG, -/-//Δ, Hercules standing, facing, #1
avers: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, Bust right, radiate, cuirassed and draped with paludamentum, seen from rear, (D2).
revers: IVVENTVS AVG, Hercules standing, facing, head left, right hand leaning on club, and holding apple in left hand, lion's skin over left arm. (Hercules 4).
exergue: -/-//Δ, diameter: 19,0mm, weight: 4,08g, axes: h,
mint: Antioch, iss-1, off-4, date: 268-269 A.D.,
ref: T-1022 (Estiot), RIC V-I 213,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
104_Claudius_II__(268-270_A_D_),IMP_C_CLAVD(I)VS_AVG,dot,_IVVENTVS_AVG,_RIC-213,T-1057var_,_Antioch,_iss-3,_off-4,_270,_Q-001,_0h,_20mm,_3,01g-s.jpg
104 Claudius II. (268-270 A.D.), T-1057var. (Estiot), RIC V-I 113var., Antioch, AE-Antoninianus, IVVENTVS AVG, -/-//--, Hercules standing, facing, #1104 Claudius II. (268-270 A.D.), T-1057var. (Estiot), RIC V-I 113var., Antioch, AE-Antoninianus, IVVENTVS AVG, -/-//--, Hercules standing, facing, #1
avers:- IMP C CLAVD(I)VS AVG (Legends error I are missing), Bust left, radiate, with traces of drapery to front of truncation, one or two dot under the bust(!!!), (A2l).
revers:- IVVENTVS AVG, Hercules standing, facing, head left, right hand leaning on club, and holding apple in left hand, lion's skin over left arm, (Hercules 4).
exerg: -/-//--, diameter: 20,0mm, weight: 3,01g, axes: 0h,
mint: Antioch, iss-3, off-4, date: 270 A.D., ref: T-1057var. (Estiot), RIC V-I 213,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
T-4116_Tacitus_AE-Antoninianus_IMP-C-M-CL-TACITVS-AVG-(D1)_CLEMENTIA-T-EMP-(EP1d)_star_KA_RIC-temp-4116_Tripolis_276-AD_Q-001_5h_21-22mm_2,92g-s.jpg
110 Tacitus (275-276 A.D.), T-4116, RIC V-I 213, Tripolis, AE-Antoninianus, CLEMENTIA TEMP, *//KA, Bust-D1, Emperor and Jupiter, #1110 Tacitus (275-276 A.D.), T-4116, RIC V-I 213, Tripolis, AE-Antoninianus, CLEMENTIA TEMP, *//KA, Bust-D1, Emperor and Jupiter, #1
avers:- IMP-C-M-CL-TACITVS-AVG, Bust right, radiate, cuirassed and draped with paludamentum, (D1).
revers:- CLEMENTIA-T-EMP, Emperor in military dress stg. r., holding short eagle-tipped sceptre in l. hand, receiving a globe from Jupiter stg. l., holding long sceptre in l. hand, (EJ1d).
exerg: *//KA, diameter: 21-22mm, weight: 2,92g, axes: 5h,
mint: Tripolis, issue-2, off-, date: 276 A.D., ref: RIC-V-I-213, T-(Estiot)-4116,
Q-001
quadrans
112_Probus_(276-282_A_D_),_Roma,_RIC_V-II_213,_AE-Ant,_IMP_PROB_VS_P_F_AVG_(B),_VICTO_RIA_AVG,_RthundbSzigma,_em-6,off-6,_281AD,_R,_Q-001,_0h,_20-22mm,_2,31g-s.jpg
112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 213, Rome, VICTORIA AVG, Bust F-B, -/-//R thunderbolt ς, Victory walking left, #1112 Probus (276-282 A.D.), AE-Antoninianus, RIC V-II 213, Rome, VICTORIA AVG, Bust F-B, -/-//R thunderbolt ς, Victory walking left, #1
avers: IMP PROB VS P F AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right. (F-B)
reverse: VICTO RIA AVG, Victory walking left, holding wreath and trophy.
exergue: -/-//R thunderbolt ς, diameter: 20,0-22,0mm, weight: 2,31g, axis: 0h,
mint: Rome, 6th. emission of Rome, 6th.off., date: 281 A.D., ref: RIC V-II 213, p-40, C-,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
Andras-II_U-191_C1-213_H-251_Q-001_8h_11,2mm_0,38g-s.jpg
21.81. András II., (Andreas II.), King of Hungary, (1205-1235 A.D.), CÁC III. 21.81.1.1., H-251, CNH I.-213, U-191, AR-Obulus, #0121.81. András II., (Andreas II.), King of Hungary, (1205-1235 A.D.), CÁC III. 21.81.1.1., H-251, CNH I.-213, U-191, AR-Obulus, #01
avers: Patriarchal cross, leopard to right, star between them at down, the border of dots.
reverse: Winged griffin advancing left, star over the head, line border.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 11,2 mm, weight: 0,38 g, axis: 8h,
mint: Esztergom, date: A.D., ref: Huszár-251, CNH I.-213, Unger-191,
CÁC III. 21.81.1.1.,
Q-001
quadrans
Caracalla-Hercules.jpg
213 AD - Caracalla 198-217 AD - HerculesANTONINVSPIVSAVGBRIT - laureate head right
PMTRPXVICOSIIIIPP - Hercules, naked, standing left, holding branch, club, and lionskin

Rome mint, AD 213, reference RIC IV, part 1, pg 241, 206(a), Cohen 220, BM-48

Beautiful portrait of this "mad" emperor, with a wonderful depiction of hercules. Ex HJB
3 commentsjimwho523
IV_Bela-(1235-1270AD)_U-213_C1-229_H-294_Q-001_9h_15,2mm_0,75g-s.jpg
22.24. Béla IV., King of Hungary, (1235-1270 A.D.), CÁC III. 22.24.1.1./a1e1.1./4.1. and reverse /a2.2./1.06., H-294, CNH I.-229, U-213, AR-Denar, #0122.24. Béla IV., King of Hungary, (1235-1270 A.D.), CÁC III. 22.24.1.1./a1e1.1./4.1. and reverse /a2.2./1.06., H-294, CNH I.-229, U-213, AR-Denar, #01
avers: +REX•BELAᵒQVARTVS, Agnus Dei in a circle of dots advancing left with a cross, border of dots.
reverse: VNGA•- RIA•, King enthroned facing, holding orb and scepter, a border of dots.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 15,2mm, weight: 0,75g, axis: 9h,
mint: , date: 1235-1270 A.D., ref: Huszár-294, CNH I.-229, Unger-213
CÁC III. 22.24.1.1./a1e1.1./4.1. and reverse /a2.2./1.06.,
Q-001
quadrans
Bela_IV__281235-1270_AD292C_H-2942C_C1-2292C_U-2132C_Q-0022C_6h2C_152C0mm2C_02C96g-s.jpg
22.24. Béla IV., King of Hungary, (1235-1270 A.D.), CÁC III. 22.24.1.1./a1e1.1./4.1. and reverse /a2e1.1./1.19., H-294, CNH I.-229, U-213, AR-Denar, #0122.24. Béla IV., King of Hungary, (1235-1270 A.D.), CÁC III. 22.24.1.1./a1e1.1./4.1. and reverse /a2e1.1./1.19., H-294, CNH I.-229, U-213, AR-Denar, #01
avers: +REX•BELAᵒQVARTVS, Agnus Dei in a circle of dots advancing left with a cross, border of dots.
reverse: VNGA• - ᵒRIA•, King enthroned facing, holding orb and scepter, a border of dots.
exergue: -/-//--, diameter: 15,0mm, weight: 0,96g, axis: 6h,
mint: , date: 1235-1270 A.D., ref: Huszár-294, CNH I.-229, Unger-213
CÁC III. 22.24.1.1./a1e1.1./4.1. and reverse /a2e1.1./1.19.,
Q-001
quadrans
RIC_9_Denario_Caracala.jpg
48-02 - CARACALLA Como Cesar de Septimio Severo (27/05/196 - 04/198 D.C.)AR Denario 18 x 16 mm 2.9 gr.

Anv: "M AVR ANTON CAES PONTIF" - Busto a cabeza desnuda, vestido y viendo a derecha.
Rev: "IMPERII FELICITAS" - Felicitas (Felicidad) de pié a izquierda, sosteniendo caduceo en mano derecha y a un niño en el brazo izquierdo.

Acuñada 15ava. Emisión 197 D.C.
Ceca: Roma (Off.9na)

Referencias: RIC Vol.IV Parte I #9 Pag.213, Sear RCTV Vol.II #6674 Pag.504, BMCRE V #199/201 Pag.52 (Pl.10 #9), Cohen Vol.IV #95 Pag.153, RSC Vol. III #95 Pag.67, DVM #28 Pag.195, Hill CSS#282, Salgado II/1 #4404.d P.126
mdelvalle
LarryW2269.jpg
7273 Nikomedes II, Epiphanes, 149-128 BCSilver tetradrachm, 39.7mm, 16.65g, EF
Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ NIKOMHΔOY, Zeus standing left holding wreath and sceptre, eagle on thunderbolt over monogram and date NP (year 150 or 149 BC) in inner left field.
Ex: Freeman & Sear
Sear 7273; BMC Pontus pg 213, #1 and plate 38, #10; SNG Cop 646v; SNG von Aulock 261; Waddington [RG] plate 32, #7.
Note: For an unknown reason, there was a large mintage in year 150, possibly because of the new King; of the coins struck that year, these 'large flan series' coins are superior.
2 commentsLawrence W
LarryW2285.jpg
7274 Nikomedes III, Euergetes, 128-94 BCSilver tetradrachm, 37.6mm, 16.83g, Choice EF
Diademed head right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ NIKOMHΔOY. Zeus standing left holding wreath and lotus-tipped sceptre, eagle on thunderbolt over monogram and date I(Z)OP (year 177 or 122 BC) in inner left field.
Ex: Ronald Cohen Collection
Sear 7274v; BMC Pontus, pg. 213, #4var, and Pl. XXXIX, #1; De Callatay page 54 (D30/R1); Waddington [RG] page 230v. Rare variety: De Callatay cites one specimen.
Note: This coin struck with a slightly glancing blow, creating a great portrait at expense of weak areas on the reverse.
2 commentsLawrence W
LarryW2284.jpg
7276 Nikomedes IV, Philopator, 94-74 BCSilver tetradrachm, 36.4mm, 15.51g, Nice VF
Diademed head of Nikomedes II right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ EΠIΦANOYΣ NIKOMHΔOY, Zeus standing left, crowning King's name with wreath in right, and holding sceptre in left hand. Eagle on thunderbolt inner left field, monogram and date (BIΣ =year 212 or 87/6 BC) below. Extremely rare date.
Ex: Forvm Ancient Coins; Wayne G. Sayles
Sear 7276; BMC Pontus, pg 213, 6v; SNG Cop 651v; SNG Von Aulock 266v
Note (courtesy Joe Sermarini): In 88 BC, Mithradates destroyed Nikomedes' army forcing him to flee to Italy. His throne was not restored until Rome defeated Mithradates in 84 BC Waddington, [RG], pp. 217-8, notes, "it is difficult to explain the very rare coins that bear the dates IC, AIC, BIC. These dates correspond to 89/8 to 87/6 BC...; but between mid-88 and the end of 83, the whole of Bithynia was in the hands of Mithradates Eupator. We are forced to conjecture (no text says so) that during this period several fortified places in Bithynia remained faithful to the legitimate king and continued to strike coins in his name."
Lawrence W
39713q00.jpg
AHG 562 . The Antioch Hoard of Gallienus . Claudius II Gothicus , September 268 - August or September 270 A.D.Claudius II Gothicus, September 268 - August or September 270 A.D.
Silvered antoninianus . 3.630g, 21.1mm, 0o, Antioch mint, 268 - 269 A.D
Obverse : IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind
Reverse : IVVENTVS AVG, Hercules standing slightly right, head left, nude, resting right on grounded club, lion skin in right, “D” in ex
RIC V 213, Cohen 137, SRCV III 11344 var, AHG 562 (this coin)
From the Antioch Hoard of Gallienus . Ex Forum
Vladislav D
Arpi.JPG
Arpi, Apulia325-275 BC
AE20 (20mm, 7.07g)
O: Laureate head of Zeus left; [thunderbolt] behind.
R: Kalydonian boar running right; spearhead above, [Α]ΡΠΑΝ[ΟΥ] below.
SNG ANS 639; SNG Cop 605; HN Italy 642; Sear 569; BMC 1, 4
ex Andre C

Situated about 20 miles inland from the Adriatic Sea, Arpi was an ancient city which legend tells us was founded by the hero Diomedes. Arpi allied with Rome at the end of the 4th century BC, and supplied them with infantry and cavalry in the war against Pyrrhus.
After the annihilation of the Roman army at Cannae in 216 Arpi defected to the Carthaginian cause, and Hannibal made the city his winter headquarters in 215. However upon his departure to move his army south the Roman consul Quintus Fabius Maximus retook the city in 213, and Arpi never again regained its’ former importance.

Enodia
ThessS2213.JPG
BYZANTINE, Thessalonica John 1237-1244Obv: Patriarchal Cross
Rev: Emperor and St. Demetrius, Holding a Model Castle Between Them
18-20 mm
Sear 2213, DOC Vol IV, pl XLIII, 27
Lg006GreekLarge_quad_sm~1.jpg
00234.jpg
Claudius II (RIC 213, Coin #234)RIC 213 (C), AE Antoninianus, Antioch, 268-270 AD.
Obv: IMP C CLAVDIVS AVG Radiate head left.
Rev: IVVENTVS AVG Hercules standing facing, head left, holding club and lion skin.
Size: 21.2mm 2.98gm
MaynardGee
Constantine_I_Two_Victories_VOT_PR_Trier.JPG
Constantine I Two Victories VOT PR TrierTrier, 17mm, 2.9g
RIC VII 213, star
Constantine I AE Follis. Trier. 319 AD. IMP CONSTAN-TINVS MAX AVG, helmeted, laureate, cuirassed bust right
/ VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP, two Victories holding shield inscribed VOT PR over altar. Altar type Helvetica 5a (a star), STR in ex.
SRukke
Diadumenian com.JPG
Diadumenian as ceasarAE 20 mm 7.7 grams 217-218 AD
OBV :: bare headed and cuirassed bust right
REV :: Phoenician pentekonter sailling right, murex shell aboveVishmara series V
EX :: COLON ( Tyre in phoenicia)
AUB 213, SNG Copenhagen 361
from uncleaned lot 11/2007
Johnny
aaposthumus.jpg
GALLIC EMPIRE/ROME - POSTUMUSPOSTUMUS - 260-269 AD. Bronze antoninianus, RIC 77, VM 35, C 213, S 3118, VF, Cologne, 2.962g, 19.6mm, 0o, obverse IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse ORIENS AVG, Sol advancing left, right extended, holding whip, P leftdpaul7
D-026-213.jpg
Gaston d'Orleans (1627-1650), Denier Tournois type 10 - 1650Atelier de Trevoux
. GASTON. . V . F . P . D ., Tete a droite, non cerclée
+ DENIER . TOVRNOIS 1650, Deux lis et un A sous un lambel, dans un cercle
1.38gr
Ref : Divo Dombes # 213, CGKL # 762 (b1), Boudeau # 1089
Potator II
D-026-213-2.jpg
Gaston d'Orleans (1627-1650), Denier Tournois type 10 - 1650Atelier de Trevoux
. GASTON. . V . F . P . D ., Tete a droite, non cerclée
+ DENIER . TOVRNOIS . 1650, Deux lis et un A sous un lambel, dans un cercle
1.38 gr
Ref : Divo Dombes # 213, CGKL # 762 (b1), Boudeau # 1089
1 commentsPotator II
Gordian-III-RIC-213.jpg
Gordian III / RIC 213, 2'nd series.Antoninianus, 242 -244 AD, Antioch mint.
Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG / Radiate bust of Gordian.
Reverse: ORIENS AVG / Sol standing, raising right hand and holding globe.
4.74 gm., 22 mm.
RIC #213; Sear #8626.
Callimachus
197-Gordian III Antioch Pisidia.JPG
Gordian III Antioch PisidiaAE 34mm , 24.7gm
Obverse:IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANOVS AVG, Laureate, Draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: VICTORIA DOMINI ANTI COLONI, Nike advancing left with wreath, Inverted RS in field.
BMC 96: Krzyzanowska, Monnaies coloniales d'Antioche de Pisidie, obv. die XIV, rev. die 70, citing the BM specimen, which is therefore from the same dies: SNG France 3, 1213, Same dies:
Jerome Holderman
gord2.jpg
Gordian III Antoninianus SolOb. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust rt
Rev. ORIENS AVG, Sol standing front, head lt., raising hand, holding globe.
Ref. RIC 213,

IMPERATOR GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVGVSTVS Commander of the army, Rejoyce that Gordian Pius is your Emperor and Augustus
ORIENS AVG Rising sun

-:Bacchus:-
Bacchus
Grodianus.JPG
Gordian III AR Antoninianus, RIC 213, RSC 167Gordian III AR Antoninianus. Antioch Mint. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust rt / ORIENS AVG, Sol standing front, head lt., raising hand, holding globe. 4.6 gr.
RIC 213, RSC 167.


Antonivs Protti
Gordian_III_RIC_213~0.JPG
Gordian III, 238 - 244 ADObv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian facing right.

Rev: ORIENS AVG, Sol standing, facing head turned left, raising right hand and holding a globe in his left.

Silver Antoninianus, Antioch mint, 242 - 244 AD

3.8 grams, 22.2 mm, 180°

RIC IViii 213, RSC 167, S8626, VM 31

Ex: FORVM
1 commentsMatt Inglima
Gotar.jpg
Gotarzes II (40 -51 A.D.)AR Tetradrachm
O: Bust of king diademed left, wearing long pointed beard.
R: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩ[Σ] ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩ[Ν] / ΑΡΣ[ΑΚΟΥ] ΕΥΕΡΓ[ΕΤΟΥ] / [ΔΙΚΑΙΟΥ] / ΕΠΙΦΑ[ΝΟΥΣ] ΦΙΛΕΛΛΗ[ΝΟΣ] King enthroned r. receiving diadem from Tyche standing before him holding cornucopia, date in field above diadem. Year ENT = 43/4 AD
14.33g
28mm
Sellwood 65.18 or 19 (month off flan).

Ex. Harlan J Berk Buy or Bid Sale, #213, Lot 165
4 commentsMat
Host_0.jpg
Hostilian (250 - 251 A.D.)AR Antoninianus
O: C VALENS HOSTIL MES QVINTVS N C Bust radiate, draped right.
R: PRINCIPI IVV - ENTVTIS Hostilian standing l. holding standard and spear.
Rome Mint
4.16g
22mm
RIC-181d (S), C-34 (4 Fr.)

Ex. Jonathan Kern, ANA Show, 19 March 1998.
Ex. Harlan J Berk Buy or Bid Sale, #213, Lot 312
4 commentsMat
ANT_PRET.jpg
Mark Antony Legionary PRAETORIARVMANT AVG III VIR R P C
galley r. mast with banners at prow

CHORTIVM PRAETORIARVM
Legionary Eagle between two standards

Patrae mint 32-31BC

3.08g
Imperators 385, Sydenham 1213, BMCRR East 184, Cohen 7

Ex-Incitatus

Scarce/rare

An important and historical coin!

The Praetorian cohorts had their origins in the small escorts which accompanied the generals on campaign. The name derives from the commander's tent (praetorium), a name which was later applied to the commandant's house in a permanent fort. At the time of Actium Antony probably had at least four praetorian cohorts. In the years following Actium Augustus established a permanent body of nine praetorian cohorts, three in Rome, the remainder dispersed among neighboring towns. They were regarded as elite troops and this was reflected in their living conditions and pay (more than three times the rate for legionaries). The praetorian prefects, first appointed by Augustus in 2 BC were to exercise enormous political power in Rome in the centuries to follow.

6 commentsJay GT4
Roberts-8932.jpg
Metz: Civic Issue (ca. 14th-16th centuries) AR Gros, Metz (Robert p. 213, 4; Boudeau 1659-60; Roberts 8932)Obv: S.STEPHA.PROTH.M; St. Étienne kneeling left; civic coat-of-arms of Metz to left and right; manus Dei above; star stops
Rev: BNDICT.SIT.NOM.DNI.NRI.IHV.XP,GRO-SSU-S.M-ETE; Cross pattée; star in quarters; annulet stops
Quant.Geek
355_Philip_II_Jupiter.JPG
Philip II - AR antoninianusRome
244-245 AD
1st - 2nd emission
radiate, draped bust right from behind
M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES
Jupiter standing, holding scepter and thunderbolt
IOVI CONSERVAT
SRCV III 9238, RIC IV 213, RSC IV 13
3,75g 24mm
ex Divus Numismatik
J. B.
ptlo.jpg
Ptolemy XII (80 - 51 B.C.)Ptolemaic
AR Tetradrachm
O: Diademed head of Ptolemy I right, wearing aegis.
R: ΠToΛEMAIoY - BA[ΣIΛEΩΣ] Eagle standing l. on thunderbolt, palm branch behind head, ΠA in r. field, in l. field date IKH (for LKH) above headdress of Isis.Year 28 = 54/53 BC
Alexandria Mint
26mm
13.95g
SNG Cop-395, cf. Sear-7947 (Year 27).

Ex. Harlan J Berk Buy or Bid Sale, #213, Lot 151
5 commentsMat
caracalla16.jpg
Roman Caracalla DenariusCaracalla, AR Denarius, 210-213, Rome
Obv: ANTONINVS PIVS- AVG BRIT , Laureate head right
Rev: MONETA AVG , Moneta standing facing, head left, scales in right hand, cornucopiae in left

RIC IV, Part I, 224
Tanit
500-3~0.png
ROMAN EMPIRE PROVINCIAL, Philip II, Moesia Inferior Markianopolis, AE27 AD 247 - 249
12.47 grams
Obv.: M IOULIOC FILIPPOC KAICAP, Confronted busts of Philip II & Serapis
Rev.: MARKIANOPOLEITWN, Homonoia standing left by altar, holding patera and cornucopiae; E in left field.
Varbanov I 2096, AMNG I 1213, Moushmov 862
Richard M10
4399LG.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Caracalla, AR DenariusCaracalla, AR Denarius, 210-213, Rome
ANTONINVS-PIVS AVG BRIT
Laureate head right
PROFECTIO-AVG
Caracalla, in military dress, standing right, spear pointing forward in both hands, two standards behind
19mm x 21mm, 3.88g
RIC IV, Part I, 225
3 comments
19145q00.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Constantine the Great, early 307 - 22 May 337 A.D.Bronze AE 3, RIC VII 213, VF, 2.125g, 16.1mm, 180o, Trier mint, 319 A.D.; obverse IMP CONSTANTI-NVS MAX AVG, laureate, helmeted and cuirassed bust right; reverse VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP, two Victories holding shield inscribed VOT / P R over altar, star on altar, •STR in ex;
5MG_1016_Gordian_Avers_320_320.JPG
ROMAN EMPIRE, Gordian III, Antiochia mint, struck 242-244 AD, AR AntoninianusIMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL , radiate-headed and cuirassed bust right
ORIENS AVG Sol standing left
RIC 213, Cohen 167
very fine
Tacitus_AE-Antoninianus_IMP-C-M-CL-TACITVS-AVG-(D1)_CLEMENTIA-T-EMP-(EP1d)_star_KA_RIC-temp-4116_Tripolis_276-AD_Q-001_axis-5h_21-22mm_2,92g-s.jpg
Roman Empire, Tacitus (275-276 A.D.), T-4116, RIC V-I 213, Tripolis, AE-Antoninianus, CLEMENTIA TEMP, *//KA, Bust-D1, Emperor and Jupiter, #1110 Tacitus (275-276 A.D.), T-4116, RIC V-I 213, Tripolis, AE-Antoninianus, CLEMENTIA TEMP, *//KA, Bust-D1, Emperor and Jupiter, #1
avers:- IMP-C-M-CL-TACITVS-AVG, Bust right, radiate, cuirassed and draped with paludamentum, (D1).
revers:- CLEMENTIA-T-EMP, Emperor in military dress stg. r., holding short eagle-tipped sceptre in l. hand, receiving a globe from Jupiter stg. l., holding long sceptre in l. hand, (EJ1d).
exerg: *//KA, diameter: 21-22mm, weight: 2,92g, axes: 5h,
mint: Tripolis, issue-2, off-, date: 276 A.D., ref: RIC-V-I-213, T-(Estiot)-4116,
Q-001
quadrans
111B.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, Theodosius II AV TremissisRIC X 213, Depeyrot 70/1 Constantinople 408-419 A.D.
13.4 mm, 1.343 gm, die axis 180o
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG, pearl diademed draped and cuirassed bust right, Z graffito in front
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory walking right, head left, holding wreath and globus cruciger, star in right field
CONOB in exergue
Scarce
EX: FORVM
Mark Z
Caracalla~0.jpg
Roman Imperial , emperor Caracalla, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC IV 236; RSC III 166; BMCRE V p. 441, 62; cf. SRCV II 6821 (obv legend); Hunter III 15 (same), Choice VF, excellent centering, light toning, die break behind Caracalla's eye, Rome mint, weight 3.094g, maximum diameter 19.1mm, die axis 180o, late 213 A.D.; obverse ANTONINVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate bearded head right; reverse MONETA AVG, Moneta standing left, scales in right hand, cornucopia in left; ex Timeline Auctions , ex FORVM .

*With my sincere thank and appreciation , Photo and Description courtesy of FORVM Ancient Coins Staff.
*Coin in hand is spectacular.
In 213, Caracalla summoned Abgar IX Severus, the king of Edessa, to Rome and had him murdered. A year later the Kingdom of Edessa was incorporated into the empire as a Roman province.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
Screenshot_2018-06-19_18_58_57.png
Roman Imperial: Constantine I as Augustus, AE Follis.Trier 319 A.D. 3.65g - 17.3mm, Axis 6h.

Obv: IMP CONSTAN-TINVS MAX AVG - Helmeted, laureate, cuirassed bust right.

Rev: VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP / VOT-PR - Two Victories holding shield inscribed VOT PR over altar. Altar type Helvetica 5a (a star). Mintmark STR.

Ref: RIC VII, 213, star.
Provenance: Chris Scarlioli Collection.
Christian Scarlioli
1110c.jpg
rsc213Elagabalus
AR Denarius

Obv: IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped bust right, bearded, seen from front
Rev: PM TRP V COS IIII PP, Elagabalus standing left sacrificing out of patera over lighted altar and holding branch, star left.
20 mm, 2.73 gms

RSC 213, RIC 53
Charles M
847.jpg
rsc213_2Elagabalus
AR Denarius

Obv: IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped bust right, bearded, seen from front
Rev: PM TRP V COS IIII PP, Elagabalus standing left sacrificing out of patera over lighted altar and holding branch, star left.
20 mm, 2.83 gms

RSC 213, RIC 53
Charles M
LarryW2333.jpg
Sicily, Syracuse, 552Silver 16 Litrae, 26mm, 13.05g, VF
Reign of Hieron II 275-215
Diademed and veiled head of Philistis left, torch behind / BAΣIΛIΣΣA[Σ] ΦIΛIΣTIΔ[OΣ], winged Nike in galloping quadriga right; E below.
Sear 988v; BMC Sicily, pg. 213, #552; SNG ANS 884.
2 commentsLawrence W
37703_Constantius_II_RIC_VIII_213,_SRCV_4011,_VF_Fair,_Thessalonica.jpg
SPES REI-PVBLICE, RIC VIII 213 ThessalonicaConstantius II, 22 May 337 - 3 Nov 361 A.D. Bronze AE 3, RIC VIII 213, SRCV 4011, VF/Fair, Thessalonica mint, 2.176g, 15.5mm, 330o, 6 Nov 355 - 3 Nov 361; obverse D N CONSTAN-TIVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse SPES REI-PVBLICE, emperor helmeted in military dress standing left holding globe in right and spear in left, SMTSB in ex. Ex FORVM, photo credit FORVMPodiceps
111A.jpg
Theodosius II AV TremissisRIC X 213, Depeyrot 70/1 Constantinople 408-419 A.D.
13.4 mm, 1.343 gm, die axis 180o
D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG, pearl diademed draped and cuirassed bust right, Z graffito in front
VICTORIA AVGVSTORVM, Victory walking right, head left, holding wreath and globus cruciger, star in right field
CONOB in exergue
Scarce
EX: FORVM
2 commentsMark Z
a30.jpg
Thessalian League196-146 B.C.
AE 7.19 gm, 20 mm.
Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right
Rev: Athena Itonia standing right, with shield & about to hurl spear
ΘEΣΣA - ΛΩN to sides, magistrate's name above
Sear vol. 1, p.213, 2237; B.M.C. 7, p.5, 50,51
Jaimelai
ti_062.jpg
TiberiusTARRACO (Colonia Urbs Triumfalis Tarraco).
Tiberius, 14-37.
Mit Divus Augustus. As, Bronze.
aw. - TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS
Kopf des Tiberius mit L. n. r.
rev. - DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER C V T TAR
Kopf mit Strkr. n. r.
RPC I, 105, 228. Alvarez Burgos 213, 1747. SNG Cop. 526
Waldemar S
13522843_1736171136671371_7257750193750038430_o.jpg
Trajan Denarius. 98-99 AD. Trajan Denarius. 98-99 AD. IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM, laureate head right / P M TR P COS II P P, Victory seated left holding patera and palm. RIC 10, RSC 213, Sear'88 #986 _soldAntonivs Protti
Clipboard~3.jpg
Vespasian Denarius, RIC 982 sow walking left with piglets below Vespasian Denarius, RIC 982, (RIC [1962] 109), RSC 213, BMC 212

Vespasian Denarius. 77-78 AD. CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / sow walking left with piglets below, IMP XIX in ex. RSC 213.

Weight - 2.7g
Diameter - 17.8mm approx
This is one of my favorites.
1 commentslorry66
probus_213.jpg
VICTORIA AVG, Rome RIC V 213Probus, Summer 276 - September 282 A.D. Silvered antoninianus, RIC V 213, VF, Rome mint, 2.601g, 22.3mm, 0o, obverse IMP PROBVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right; reverse VICTORIA AVG, Victory advancing left holding wreath in right and trophy over shoulder in left, R thunderbolt “V” in ex. Ex FORVMPodiceps
Carac1stCaes.jpg
[1004a] Caracalla, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC 2, gF, Rome, 2.662g, 17.2mm, 0o; type from his first issue as Caesar., 196 A.D. Obverse: M AVR ANTONINVS CAES, boy's bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust right; Reverse: SECVRITAS PERPETVA (Security Everlasting), Minerva with aegis on breast, standing left, holding spear in left and resting right on shield on the ground; well centered on a tight flan; scarce. Ex FORVM.

De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (Caracalla)


Michael L. Meckler,
Ohio State University

Caracalla was born 4 April 188 in Lyon, where his father was serving as governor of the province of Gallia Lugdunensis under the emperor Commodus. The child's name originally seems to have been Lucius Septimius Bassianus, the cognomen commemorating the family of the boy's Syrian mother, Julia Domna. When he was seven years old, his name was changed to Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. The name change was a way of connecting the family of Severus to that of the Antonines. Caracalla was a nickname taken from the name of a type of cloak popularized by the emperor, but this nickname, originally derisive, was never used officially.


From the time of his name change to Antoninus, Caracalla was the designated heir of Severus. Less than three years later he was proclaimed emperor, officially joining his father as co-rulers of the empire. At the age of 14 he was married to the daughter of the praetorian prefect Plautianus Publia Fulvia, Plautilla, but the teenager despised his wife. The marriage ended less than three years later after the execution of Plautianus for treason, and there were no children.

Squabbling and rivalry developed between Caracalla and Geta, who was only 11 months younger than his brother. Severus felt the lack of responsibilities in Rome contributed to the ill-will between his sons and decided that the family would travel to Britain to oversee military operations there. Caracalla was involved in directing the army's campaigns, while Geta was given civilian authority and a promotion to joint emperor with his father and brother. Within two years of the imperial family's arrival in Britain, Severus' health began to deteriorate, but his sons' relationship showed no signs of improvement. Severus died 4 February 211. Caracalla was 22 years old, Geta 21.

The brothers returned to Rome as joint emperors, but they eyed each other with suspicion and failed to cooperate on government appointments and policy decisions. Caracalla was being advised to have Geta murdered, and after at least one unsuccessful attempt, Geta was killed in late December 211. The murder led to a wholesale slaughter of Geta's supporters and sympathizers, and soldiers were allowed to wreak havoc on the residents of Rome. The looting and bloodshed lasted for at least two weeks, and one contemporary source claims 20,000 people were killed.

The year 212 saw a flurry of administrative reforms under the young emperor's leadership. Soldiers received increases in pay and in legal rights, but the most noteworthy change was the bestowal of Roman citizenship upon all free residents of the empire. This grant of universal citizenship, called by scholars the Constitutio Antoniniana, allowed for greater standardization in the increasingly bureaucratic Roman state. Construction was also well underway on the magnificant baths in Rome that would bear the emperor's name. The main building seems to have been completed four years later, but the entire complex was not finished until the reign of Alexander Severus.

Caracalla spent little time in Rome after the spring of 213. A visit to Gaul and a military campaign along the borders of Upper Germany and Raetia occupied much of the rest of the year. Winter may have been spent in Rome, but the following year Caracalla made a journey to the East in preparation for a war against the Parthians. Along the way, the emperor displayed an increasing fascination and identification with Alexander the Great. Like the Macedonian prince, however, Caracalla would not survive an expedition to the East. Only his ashes would return to Rome.

Civil war in the Parthian realm between brothers and rival kings Vologaeses VI and Artabanus V brought instability to the entire region, and Caracalla wished to take advantage of that instability to increase Roman control. Osroene was annexed in 213, but an attempt in the same year to take over Armenia backfired. Caracalla's campaigns in the East seemed designed to harass the Parthians more than anything else. In 215, Caracalla suspended plans to invade Parthia after Vologaeses handed over two political refugees, although Roman troops were sent into Armenia. The following year the emperor led his troops into Mesopotamia after being rebuffed in his request to marry the daughter of Artabanus. Roman armies were generally unopposed in their forays, the Parthian forces having retreated farther east. The Romans returned back across the Euphrates, wintering in Edessa.

Between campaigning seasons, Caracalla made a notorious visit to Alexandria in the fall and winter of 215-16. Rioting accompanied the imperial visit, and retribution was swift. The governor of Egypt was executed as were thousands of the city's young men. Alexandria was cordoned off into zones to prevent the free movement of residents, and games and privileges were revoked.

The emperor visited Alexandria for intellectual and religious reasons, staying at The Serapeum and being present at the temple's sacrifices and cultural events. Earlier, during the German war, the emperor visited the shrine of the Celtic healing-god Grannus. Caracalla also visited the famous temple of Asclepius in Pergamum and fully participated in its program, which involved sleeping inside the temple compound and having his dreams interpreted.

It was this religious devotion that led to Caracalla's murder in 217. Although suspicious of the praetorian prefect Macrinus, Caracalla allowed himself to be accompanied by only a small, select corps of bodyguards on an early spring trip from the camp at Edessa to the temple of the moon-god at Carrhae, about 25 miles away. During the journey back on 8 April 217, Caracalla was killed. The returning guards claimed the emperor was ambushed while defecating, and that the alleged assassin was one of their own, a soldier named Martialis. Martialis was himself killed by the avenging guards, or so the story went. Suspicion was strong that Macrinus arranged the entire affair.

Caracalla's violent end seemed appropriate for an emperor who, early in his reign, had his own brother killed. Yet the moralizing about fratricide by both ancient and modern historians obscures the energetic, reformist and even intellectual character of Caracalla's reign. Some of the reforms, especially the pay raise for soldiers, would prove burdensome for future emperors, but the changes brought about in the little more than five years of Caracalla's sole rule would have long-lasting implications throughout the empire for generations to come.


Copyright (C) 1998, Michael L. Meckler. Published on De Imperatoribus Romanis, An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors; http://www.roman-emperors.org/sepsev.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.


Cleisthenes
CaracallaRIC108.jpg
[1004b] Caracalla, 28 January 198 - 8 April 217 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC 108, RSC 510, VF, 2.967g, 19.2mm, 180o, Rome mint, 208 A.D.; obverse ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right; reverse PROF PONTIF TR P XI COS III, Emperor on horseback right, captive at feet; scarce. Ex FORVM.

This coin refers to the departure of Caracalla, Septimius, and Geta on their British expedition. Our dating of this departure to the year 208 depends on these coins dated TR P XI for Caracalla and TR P XVI for Septimius (Joseph Sermarini).

De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (Caracalla)


Michael L. Meckler,
Ohio State University

Caracalla was born 4 April 188 in Lyon, where his father was serving as governor of the province of Gallia Lugdunensis under the emperor Commodus. The child's name originally seems to have been Lucius Septimius Bassianus, the cognomen commemorating the family of the boy's Syrian mother, Julia Domna. When he was seven years old, his name was changed to Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. The name change was a way of connecting the family of Severus to that of the Antonines. Caracalla was a nickname taken from the name of a type of cloak popularized by the emperor, but this nickname, originally derisive, was never used officially.


From the time of his name change to Antoninus, Caracalla was the designated heir of Severus. Less than three years later he was proclaimed emperor, officially joining his father as co-rulers of the empire. At the age of 14 he was married to the daughter of the praetorian prefect Plautianus Publia Fulvia, Plautilla, but the teenager despised his wife. The marriage ended less than three years later after the execution of Plautianus for treason, and there were no children.

Squabbling and rivalry developed between Caracalla and Geta, who was only 11 months younger than his brother. Severus felt the lack of responsibilities in Rome contributed to the ill-will between his sons and decided that the family would travel to Britain to oversee military operations there. Caracalla was involved in directing the army's campaigns, while Geta was given civilian authority and a promotion to joint emperor with his father and brother. Within two years of the imperial family's arrival in Britain, Severus' health began to deteriorate, but his sons' relationship showed no signs of improvement. Severus died 4 February 211. Caracalla was 22 years old, Geta 21.

The brothers returned to Rome as joint emperors, but they eyed each other with suspicion and failed to cooperate on government appointments and policy decisions. Caracalla was being advised to have Geta murdered, and after at least one unsuccessful attempt, Geta was killed in late December 211. The murder led to a wholesale slaughter of Geta's supporters and sympathizers, and soldiers were allowed to wreak havoc on the residents of Rome. The looting and bloodshed lasted for at least two weeks, and one contemporary source claims 20,000 people were killed.

The year 212 saw a flurry of administrative reforms under the young emperor's leadership. Soldiers received increases in pay and in legal rights, but the most noteworthy change was the bestowal of Roman citizenship upon all free residents of the empire. This grant of universal citizenship, called by scholars the Constitutio Antoniniana, allowed for greater standardization in the increasingly bureaucratic Roman state. Construction was also well underway on the magnificant baths in Rome that would bear the emperor's name. The main building seems to have been completed four years later, but the entire complex was not finished until the reign of Alexander Severus.

Caracalla spent little time in Rome after the spring of 213. A visit to Gaul and a military campaign along the borders of Upper Germany and Raetia occupied much of the rest of the year. Winter may have been spent in Rome, but the following year Caracalla made a journey to the East in preparation for a war against the Parthians. Along the way, the emperor displayed an increasing fascination and identification with Alexander the Great. Like the Macedonian prince, however, Caracalla would not survive an expedition to the East. Only his ashes would return to Rome.

Civil war in the Parthian realm between brothers and rival kings Vologaeses VI and Artabanus V brought instability to the entire region, and Caracalla wished to take advantage of that instability to increase Roman control. Osroene was annexed in 213, but an attempt in the same year to take over Armenia backfired. Caracalla's campaigns in the East seemed designed to harass the Parthians more than anything else. In 215, Caracalla suspended plans to invade Parthia after Vologaeses handed over two political refugees, although Roman troops were sent into Armenia. The following year the emperor led his troops into Mesopotamia after being rebuffed in his request to marry the daughter of Artabanus. Roman armies were generally unopposed in their forays, the Parthian forces having retreated farther east. The Romans returned back across the Euphrates, wintering in Edessa.

Between campaigning seasons, Caracalla made a notorious visit to Alexandria in the fall and winter of 215-16. Rioting accompanied the imperial visit, and retribution was swift. The governor of Egypt was executed as were thousands of the city's young men. Alexandria was cordoned off into zones to prevent the free movement of residents, and games and privileges were revoked.

The emperor visited Alexandria for intellectual and religious reasons, staying at The Serapeum and being present at the temple's sacrifices and cultural events. Earlier, during the German war, the emperor visited the shrine of the Celtic healing-god Grannus. Caracalla also visited the famous temple of Asclepius in Pergamum and fully participated in its program, which involved sleeping inside the temple compound and having his dreams interpreted.

It was this religious devotion that led to Caracalla's murder in 217. Although suspicious of the praetorian prefect Macrinus, Caracalla allowed himself to be accompanied by only a small, select corps of bodyguards on an early spring trip from the camp at Edessa to the temple of the moon-god at Carrhae, about 25 miles away. During the journey back on 8 April 217, Caracalla was killed. The returning guards claimed the emperor was ambushed while defecating, and that the alleged assassin was one of their own, a soldier named Martialis. Martialis was himself killed by the avenging guards, or so the story went. Suspicion was strong that Macrinus arranged the entire affair.

Caracalla's violent end seemed appropriate for an emperor who, early in his reign, had his own brother killed. Yet the moralizing about fratricide by both ancient and modern historians obscures the energetic, reformist and even intellectual character of Caracalla's reign. Some of the reforms, especially the pay raise for soldiers, would prove burdensome for future emperors, but the changes brought about in the little more than five years of Caracalla's sole rule would have long-lasting implications throughout the empire for generations to come.


Copyright (C) 1998, Michael L. Meckler. Published on De Imperatoribus Romanis, An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors; http://www.roman-emperors.org/sepsev.htm. Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
 
65 files on 1 page(s)

All coins are guaranteed for eternity
Forum Ancient Coins
PO BOX 1316
MOREHEAD CITY NC 28557


252-497-2724
customerservice@forumancientcoins.com
Facebook   Instagram   Pintrest   Twitter