Caracalla - Tetradrachm eagle as struck (N2429)

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Caracalla, 198-217. Tetradrachm (Billon, 26 mm, 14.12 g, 12 h), circa 214/5. AYT•K•M•A• •ANTΩNЄINOC CЄB Laureate head of Caracalla to right. Rev. ΔHMAPX EΞ YΠΑ TO•Δ• / •Δ• - •Є• Eagle standing facing on leg and thigh of sacrificial animal, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak. McAlee 681. Prieur 224. RPC V.3 online ID 86807. Lustrous and fresh, virtually as struck.

According to Prieur, the two stars are most likely to be identified as the morning and evening stars, worshipped as twin gods (akin to the Graeco-Roman Dioscuri) in a number of Arabic cults in the area.