LEGEND
Obv: AΥTKΡAT K MAΡKOC AΥΡ ANTΩNEINOC, Laureate bust of Caracalla to right, wearing cuirass ornamented with the facing head of Medusa. Rev: EΠI CTΡ M KAIΡEΛ ATTAΛOΥ / ΠEΡΓAMHNΩN ΠΡΩTΩN Γ NEΩKOΡΩN, Emperor Caracalla, togate, standing right, holding volumen and pouring sacrifice from patera over the head of a bull that is about to be sacrificed by a Victimarius. The Temple of Asclepion to the right seen in perspective, with god Asclepius seated left within the central intercolumniation; before it to left, an ax-wielding priest about to sacrifice a humped bull.

NOTE ONE:
This fascinating coin is part of a highly interesting series of large bronze coins that chronicle Caracalla’s 214 AD visit to the provincial Roman city of Pergamum. The visit is chronicled through a variety ancient coin images depicting Roman political, cultural and religious scenes including; Tyche as personification of the city, leading Pergamum magistrates presenting gifts to the Emperor, miniature Asclepius statues, Pagan rituals, Caracalla’s visit to the sacred gardens adjacent to the Asclepion, and as depicted above, a Bull being sacrificed before the god Asclepius at his sacred Temple.

NOTE TWO:
The last 4 words of the reverse legend read, ΠΕΡΓΑΜΗΝΩΝ ΠΡΩΤΩΝ Γ ΝΕΩΚΟΡΩΝ. This was an important declaration made by Caracalla during his visit to Pergamum which translates to mean, “Pergamum – First to have 3 Neocorates.” This very special inscription is seen as a declaration that refers to the City of Pergamum as being the first city in Asia Minor to be awarded a third neokorate. The third neokorate, while remaining an enigmatic reference today, likely refers to an official heightened city status as a “warden of a Temple.” This elevated status symbolically boosted both Pergamum’s reputation and power in the region. (Reference: Kelly Ward, Roman Provincial Coinage as Advertising for the Temple of Asclepius in Pergamum – 2011.)

HISTORICAL INFORMATION COMING SOON

The historical information for the above large Provincial Roman Bronze by Emperor Caracalla exhibits are currently in review. Please come back to visit this item again in the next few weeks.

Thank you for your patience and for visiting ANAM.

www.ancientnomosart.org

SPECIAL FEATURE EXHIBIT
The ANAM Special Features gallery takes a closer look at this commemorative Caracalla medallion depiction of ancient Roman sacrifice and image iconography during his 214 AD worship of Asclepius in Pergamum. To view the Special Features coin exhibit commemorating Caracalla’s visit to Pergamum, please use the following link: Caracalla Commemorative Pergamum Iconography Exhibit

DOCUMENTATION
Value: Octassarion (8 Assaria). Metal: AE Bronze. Weight: 46.14 grams. Mint: Pergamum. Date: circa 214 AD.
Attribution: BMC 324; SNG Paris 2230 (same dies); Tkalec 8, 357 (this coin); Nomos 5, 245 (this coin).