Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 403 9 Aug 2017
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Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ Medallion (43mm, 41.44 g, 6h). M. Caerelius Attalus, strategos. Struck AD 214-215. Laureate and cuirassed bust right; gorgoneion on breastplate; c/m: wreath / Caracalla standing left, holding scepter and raising hand to serpent entwined about tree; small figure of Telesphorus on low basis between. SNG France –; BMC 326; for c/m: Howgego 480. Fine, green, brown, and red surfaces.
This medallion is part of a highly interesting series that has long fascinated numismatists. Taken as a whole, the group chronicles the major events of Caracalla's visit to Pergamum en route to an eastern military expedition in AD 214. While this was only one stop on a trip that included imperial visits to the major cities and religious sites of Asia Minor, Pergamum's sanctuary of Asclepius (the Asclepion) was of particular appeal to Caracalla, whose health declined precipitously in the latter years of his reign. On other medallions from the series we see either Tyche (personification of the city) or a leading magistrate presenting the emperor with a miniature cult image of Asclepius upon his arrival, Caracalla visiting the sacred grove adjacent to the Asclepion (as on the current medallion), and various scenes of sacrifices being offered to Asclepius.
This medallion is part of a highly interesting series that has long fascinated numismatists. Taken as a whole, the group chronicles the major events of Caracalla's visit to Pergamum en route to an eastern military expedition in AD 214. While this was only one stop on a trip that included imperial visits to the major cities and religious sites of Asia Minor, Pergamum's sanctuary of Asclepius (the Asclepion) was of particular appeal to Caracalla, whose health declined precipitously in the latter years of his reign. On other medallions from the series we see either Tyche (personification of the city) or a leading magistrate presenting the emperor with a miniature cult image of Asclepius upon his arrival, Caracalla visiting the sacred grove adjacent to the Asclepion (as on the current medallion), and various scenes of sacrifices being offered to Asclepius.