RPM4 - Caracalla, Augustus with Septimius Severus
(A.D. 198-217), Silver Denarius, 2.98g., 19mm, Rome A.D. 207,
ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right, rev., Caracalla standing
left, head right, holding spear and parazonium, two river-gods reclining
to right and left, holding reeds, seated female at feet, PONTIF TR P X
COS II,
(RIC 96), extremely fine. $165
SOLD
The reverse depiction of the emperor
surrounded by a river god and two barbarian captives has been explained
as representing a Roman military victory on either the Danube or
possibly a river in Northern Britain like the Tyne. Caracalla left for
the British campaign with his father in A.D. 208 and this type might
wish to foreshadow their triumph beyond the frontier. Hadrian's Wall
follows the line of the Tyne valley at it's eastern end.
