Summary

Ancient Roman Empire
Silver Denarius issued by Emperor Caracalla in 201 AD. Caracalla became emperor as a 10 year old and is depicted on this coin as a child.
Mint: Rome.

Obverse Description

Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla facing right; around, ANTONINVS PIVS AVG

Reverse Description

A trophy between two seated captives; around, PART MAX PONT TR P IIII

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

In 195, Septimius Severus proclaimed that he was the son of Marcus Aurelius and re-named his older son, the seven-year-old Bassianius, as Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus is differentiated from others with the same or similar names by the use of his nickname, Caracalla, after the name of a hooded tunic he liked to wear.

Caracalla was proclaimed Augustus and received the tribunitian power in 198. On this coin, the reverse legend notes that he has held the tribunitian power four times. As it was renewed annually, this dates the production of the coin to 201.

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