Watch List notes:

ROMAN AND BYZANTINE COINS

Philippopolis, Thrace. Caracalla, 198-217. Hexassarion or Medallion (Bronze, 36mm, 22.59g 12), 214. ΑVΤ Κ Μ ΑVΡ CΕV ΑΝΤΩΝΕΙΝΟC Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla to right. Rev. ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΘΡΑΚΩΝ ΑΛΕΖΑΝ EΝ / ΦΙΛΙΠ / ΠΟ Richly ornamented agonistic table; on top, prize crown inscribed ΠVΘΙΑ; below, palm and amphora. Varbanov 1420. Rare. A very well struck coin with a powerful portrait of Caracalla and a splendid dark green patina. Extremely fine.

The Pythian Games were refounded by Caracalla in Thrace, and they were especially celebrated at Philippopolis, which produced a commemorative coinage bearing numerous types related to the event. This piece shows one of the elaborate crowns given to the victor: it is carefully named so that we can have no doubt to which festival it relates.