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Product Description
This exceptional large bronze ancient Roman tetrassarion coin features an image of emperor Caracalla, officially known as Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. It shows a youthful profile of young Caracalla and was struck between 198 and 206 AD in the ancient Roman region of Thessaly, in modern day Greece. The reverse of the coin can be seen on the back side of the pendant. It shows a worn image of the goddess Minerva. She is shown holding a shield and preparing to throw a spear. Minerva was the virgin goddess of music, poetry, medicine, wisdom, commerce, weaving, and the crafts. Minerva is commonly depicted as tall with an athletic and muscular build, as well as wearing armor and carrying a spear. As the most important Roman goddess, she is highly revered, honored, and respected.
With its heavy, stunning green patina, the high polished 14 karat yellow gold pendant setting richly frames this large and spectacular coin. The profile of the emperor is well-preserved with impressive high relief art of the emperor wearing a laurel wreath crown. This large and impressive piece would be ideal for any fancier of ancient history or by someone who served in the military based on Caracalla's love and support of the Roman soldiers. Seeing it was minted in what was an ancient Roman region of present day Greece, this piece would be equally loved by anyone not only of Italian descent, but one also of Greek descent.
*** Chain is not included but may be purchased additionally, at the link below
GUARANTEE: ALL PURCHASES ACCOMPANIED WITH A WRITTEN GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY
SETTING: 14K YELLOW GOLD
COIN: BRONZE TETRASSARION
COIN AGE: 198 - 206 A.D.
DIMENSIONS: 1.15" or 28 mm overall diameter
:::: Includes Gift Box
:::: Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY / HISTORY SHEET
ADD THE DISPLAYED FORZA GOLD CHAIN
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HISTORY
Caracalla was born in Lugdunum, Gaul (now Lyon, France), on 4 April 188 to emperor Septimius Severus and Julia Domna, thus giving him Punic paternal ancestry and Arab maternal ancestry. He had a slightly younger brother, Geta, with whom Caracalla briefly ruled as co-emperor. Caracalla's name at birth was Lucius Septimius Bassianus. He was renamed Marcus Aurelius Antoninus at the age of seven as part of his father's attempt at union with the families of Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. He became known as "Caracalla" after a Gallic hooded tunic that he habitually wore and made fashionable.
During his reign as emperor, Caracalla substantially raised the annual pay and bonuses of an average legionary soldier. He lavished many benefits on the army, which he both feared and admired, in accordance with the advice given by his father on his deathbed always to heed the welfare of the soldiers and ignore everyone else. Caracalla spent much of his time with the soldiers, so much so that he began to imitate their dress and adopt their manners.
Several other important changes were brought about by Caracalla. Most noteworthy was that all free residents of the Empire were granted Roman citizenship (to increase the taxation base!). Silver currency was debased by 25% and magnificent, massive heated baths, called the Baths of Caracalla, were constructed in Rome. Their remains can still be seen today. This famous facility was called the Baths of Caracalla.
After Caracalla concluded his campaign against the Alamanni, it became evident that he was inordinately preoccupied with the Greek-Macedonian general and conqueror Alexander the Great. He began openly mimicking Alexander in his personal style. In planning his invasion of the Parthian Empire, Caracalla decided to arrange 16,000 of his men in Macedonian-style phalanxes, despite the Roman army having made the phalanx an obsolete tactical formation.
