Lot 3840

Description

Caracalla, (A.D. 198-217), silver denarius, issued 205, Rome mint, (3.54 g), obv. laureate draped 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.

The type refers to a special type of favour shown to Carthage, (capital of Severus' native province). It appears to be connected to the city's water supply (perhaps a new aqueduct). The principle 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.