Caracalla AD 198-217, AR Denarius (19 mm, 2.99 gram) Rome 200
ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r.
PONTIF TR P III Caracalla, laureate, nude but for chlamys over l.shoulder, standing to front, head l., holding globe and spear, sword strapped to his back
RIC 30b. Very fine
Note: The figure on the reverse is sometimes identified as ‘Caracalla as Sol’ in references, but that is highly unlikely. The figure does not wear the radiate crown, Sol’s main attribute. Furthermore, the solar god is not portrayed with with a spear or a sword. On other coins, the image is also accompanied by the title ‘Rector Orbis’ – ‘Master of the World’ – an imperial honorary title, taken up by some emperors from Didius Julianus to Gallienus.