Coin, sestertius

A copper alloy sestertius coin of Emperor Caracalla. Caracalla was appointed co-emperor by his father, Septimius Severus, in AD 198. After his father’s death in AD 211, Caracalla shared power with his younger brother, Geta. However, this arrangement was short-lived and after just 10 months Geta was assassinated, possibly at the hands of Caracalla himself. Caracalla saw out the rest of his reign as sole emperor of the Roman Empire, AD 211-217.The back of the coin depicts Mars, Roman god of war. This coin was minted in Rome, Italy, AD 213.

Obv: Draped, cuirassed and laureate bust of Caracalla, facing right. Obv inscription: [M A]VREL ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT. Rev: Mars, helmeted and in military dress, standing front, head left, holding Victory in his extended right hand and resting his left hand on a shield, a spear leans against his left arm and a bound captive sits at his feet. Rev inscription: PM TR P XVI COS IIII [PP], SC in field.

Ref: BMC V (1975), p.476. no.243-244.
Condition: F/VG.