Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XI 7 April 2016
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Caracalla AV Aureus. Rome, AD 204. ANTON P AVG PON TR P VII, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA PARTHICA MAXIMA, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 79; Calicó 2844 corr. (this coin); Hill 680. 7.42g, 20mm, 6h.
Good Very Fine. Very Rare.
Septimius Severus' Parthian campaign was concluded in 198 with the capture of the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon. On this occasion Septimius was acclaimed imperator for the eleventh time, and he received the title Parthicus Maximus. His successful campaign was celebrated on coinage over the next few years, and an arch was erected in Rome in commemoration of the event in 203. In the wake of his great triumph, Septimius elevated Caracalla, who had campaigned with him in the east, to co-augustus.
That the coinage of Caracalla shared in the celebration of his father's Parthian victory is attested to by the reverse of this aureus. We find Caracalla bearing the title given to his father, Parthicus Maximus, along with a figure of Victory. As Caracalla neither gained the military victory as Emperor or as a military leader, this aureus demonstrates that victory was also an abstract quality associated with emperorship. The willingness of Septimius Severus to share his victory names with his sons reflects his desire to create a strong and lasting dynasty.
Good Very Fine. Very Rare.
Septimius Severus' Parthian campaign was concluded in 198 with the capture of the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon. On this occasion Septimius was acclaimed imperator for the eleventh time, and he received the title Parthicus Maximus. His successful campaign was celebrated on coinage over the next few years, and an arch was erected in Rome in commemoration of the event in 203. In the wake of his great triumph, Septimius elevated Caracalla, who had campaigned with him in the east, to co-augustus.
That the coinage of Caracalla shared in the celebration of his father's Parthian victory is attested to by the reverse of this aureus. We find Caracalla bearing the title given to his father, Parthicus Maximus, along with a figure of Victory. As Caracalla neither gained the military victory as Emperor or as a military leader, this aureus demonstrates that victory was also an abstract quality associated with emperorship. The willingness of Septimius Severus to share his victory names with his sons reflects his desire to create a strong and lasting dynasty.