Leu Numismatik AG
Auction 7 24-25 Oct 2020
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CILICIA. Isaura. Caracalla, 198-217. Diassarion (Bronze, 26 mm, 8.79 g, 7 h), 205-209. AY K M AY ANTΩNЄINOC Laureate and cuirassed bust of Caracalla to right, breastplate decorated with gorgoneion. Rev. MHTPOΠOΛЄΩC ICA/YPΩN Laureate and draped male bust set to right on a column with a Corinthian capital; all within tetrastyle temple with arched pediment. SNG Levante 263 var. (same obverse die, but differing reverse legend arrangement). SNG Paris 497 var. (same obverse die, but differing reverse legend arrangement). SNG von Aulock 5412 var. (male bust turned to left). Rare. A beautiful example of this interesting issue with excellent reverse details. Nearly extremely fine.
The identity of the male bust on the reverse of this beautiful coin is somewhat of a mystery: to some extent, it is reminiscent of Asklepios or Serapis, but the laurel wreath does suggest Zeus instead. It is certainly not a bust of Septimius Severus, as proposed in the Levante Sylloge, as the bust bears no resemblance to Caracalla's father whatsoever except for being bearded.
The identity of the male bust on the reverse of this beautiful coin is somewhat of a mystery: to some extent, it is reminiscent of Asklepios or Serapis, but the laurel wreath does suggest Zeus instead. It is certainly not a bust of Septimius Severus, as proposed in the Levante Sylloge, as the bust bears no resemblance to Caracalla's father whatsoever except for being bearded.