As - Caracalla (P M TR P XVI COS IIII P P S C; Serapis) (213) front As - Caracalla (P M TR P XVI COS IIII P P S C; Serapis) (213) back
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As - Caracalla P M TR P XVI COS IIII P P S C; Serapis

213 year
Bronze 12.6 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla) (198-217)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
213
Value
As = 1⁄16 Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
12.6 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#273869
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Serapis, standing left, raising right hand and holding sceptre in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: P M TR P XVI COS IIII P P S C

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Sexta Decima, Consul Quartum, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 16th time, consul for the fourth time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 10.98–14.31 g;

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of Serapis, a deity worshipped in the Roman Empire during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Serapis was a syncretization of the Egyptian god Osiris and the Greek god Hades, and was often depicted with a modius, a grain measure, on his head, which symbolized his role as a god of fertility and agriculture. The inclusion of Serapis on this coin suggests that the Roman Empire was interested in promoting the cult of Serapis, which was popular in the eastern provinces of the empire, particularly in Egypt.