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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Blake Davis, post: 26620925, member: 91820&quot;]Although I wanted to post both coins in the same post, I bolloxed it so here is the second one:</p><p><br /></p><p>Caracalla sestertius, 36mm, 32.13 grams, 207 AD</p><p><br /></p><p>Another medallic example with a wonderful portrait that is not often seen on a sestertius.&nbsp; I have searched everywhere - museums, databases everywhere but have not been able to find another example.&nbsp; There have been examples sold with an identical reverse but IMP VIIII, not IMP X.&nbsp; As with the coin above I thought about smoothing the reverse but I do not nearly have enough skill AND I would never screw around with such a rare coin.&nbsp; I really like this coin which is probably among the last of the sestertii - or any types - to show Caracalla without a beard.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1697151[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>Take a good look at the portrait.&nbsp; I had posted a comment on Moneta many years ago speculating that the celators at the Rome mint might put editorial comments in how portraits are prepared - there was not much support since it would be instant death to any celator that put in something objectionable in any portrait.&nbsp; But - it seems to me - the celator put a sly look on Caracalla&#039;s face here.&nbsp; But like most of what we can say about these coins it is sheer speculation.&nbsp; This a beautiful coin and I fell privileged to have it especially because it may be one of the few that exists. I really searched everywhere for another example but as with one of the types above - #5 - I have been unable to find another example - anywhere!</p><p><br /></p><p>Both of these coins are from the period that the Rome mint had all but ceased striking bronze coins.&nbsp; I have all of one example from Geta from this period - and none from Julia Domna.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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