Caracalla - celebrating the Pythian games! (S2583)

Roman Provincial Coins

THRACE. Philippopolis. Caracalla (198-217). Ae.

Obv: AVT K M AVP CEV ANTΩNEINOC.

Laureate bust right.

Rev: KOINON ΘPAKΩN AΛEZANΔPIA EN / ΠV - ΘIA / ΦΙΛIΠΠOΠOΛI.

Zeus seated left on throne, holding patera and sceptre.

Varbanov 1490 var. (obv. legend).

Condition: Good fine.

Weight: 18.61 g.

Diameter: 31 mm.

The reverse legend refers to the Pythian Games held by the Koinon of Thrace in honour of Alexander the Great and, of course, Caracalla. Indeed, the emperor so admired the Macedonian hero that he began to imitate and identify with him.