Lot 4447

Description

Caracalla, (A.D.198-217), issue struck at Rome in 217, AE As, (9.97 g), obv. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, bust of Caracalla draped and cuirassed to right, rev. around P M TR P XVIIII COS IIII P P, S C in exergue, Pluto wearing polos seated to left, right hand on knee, holding sceptre in left hand, to left cerberus, (S.-, RIC 569, C.387, BMC 302a). Deep chocolate toning, well struck with a strong portrait, good very fine or better and extremely rare.

Ex RJM Collection with ticket.

A similar example in slightly lower grade sold in Noble auction 68 (lot 2252) for $380.

A most important coin. The reverse with Pluto and Cerberus on coins is extremely rare, and for the Roman series only known on these few coins of Caracalla. Pluto was the god of the Underworld (the Greek god Hades) and Cerberus was the three headed canine guard dog of the Underworld who was also dragged from the Underworld by Hercules to see the light of day. The three heads of this monster were said to signify the power of Pluto over the three elements of water, earth and air.