Lot 3576

Description

Caracalla, (A.D. 198-217), silver denarius, issued 205, Rome mint, (3.24 g), obv. laureate bust to right of Caracalla, around ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, rev. Dea Caelestis, holding thunderbolt and sceptre seated facing head right on lion leaping to right, over water which gushes from rock, around weak in places, INDVLGE NTIA AVGG, IN CARTH in exergue, (S.6806, RIC 130a, RSC 97). Toned, good very fine and very scarce with ticket.

The coin type refers to a special type of favour shown to Carthage, capital of Severus' native province. It appears to be connected with the city's water supply (perhaps a new aqueduct). The principal female deity of Carthage was known to the Romans as Dea Caelestis, "Celestial goddess". Although not named on the coin, there can be little doubt that she is the figure shown riding on the lion.