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ROMAN RULER CARACALLA DENARIUS ANCIENT COIN PENDANT IN 14K YELLOW GOLD 196 - 198 A.D. This stunning and extremely well detailed GENUINE ancient Roman silver denarius coin depicting Caracalla as Caesar, makes for a superb centerpiece of ancient coin jewelry. The dark toned silver of the coin richly contrasts with the 14 karat polished yellow gold wreath pendant setting. The detail is remarkable and every minute feature can be seen in the ancient Roman art on this coin. This coin was minted under the young Caesar Caracalla who was born April 6, 188 A.D. in Lugundum, Gaul (modern day Lyon, France). Caracalla's real birth name was Septimius Bassianus but he was renames Marcus Aurelius Antoninianus in 196 A.D.. The nickname 'Caracalla' was used starting in 216 A.D. and never officially as it was originally a derisive term used to describe a type of hooded cloak. The name came as a result of Caracalla's preference to wear this cloak. Caracalla was the older of two sons of the emperor Septimius Severus and Julia Domna. His He was made Caesar in 196 and later elevated to the rank of Augustus with his father, in 198 A.D. at the same time his younger brother, Geta, was given the rank of Caesar. It was the intention of their father Severus, for his two sons to rule the Empire together upon his death. Not a good idea since both brothers deeply hated each other, constantly fighting even before their appointments. Upon the death of their father in 211, their fighting broke out into open hostility and there was even talk of splitting the Roman Empire because of it. The ruthlessness of Caracalla would not rest and Caracalla had his brother Geta murdered just three days short of the anniversary of their first year of joint reign. One version of events claimed Geta was lured to come without his bodyguards to a meeting with Caracalla and their mother, Julia Domna, to discuss a possible reconciliation. When Geta arrived, he was attacked by centurions. Wounded and bleeding, Geta ran to his mother and clinging to her, died. Caracalla then proceeded to have all memory of his brother erased and supposedly executed 20,000 of Geta's supporters. The year following the murder of his brother, several changes were brought about by Caracalla. All Roman soldiers received increases in pay and benefits. 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 heated baths were constructed in Rome that their remains can still be seen today. This famous facility was called the Baths of Caracalla. Caracalla's violent end seemed appropriate for an emperor who, early in his reign, had his own brother killed. On an early Spring trip from the camp at Edessa to the temple of the moon-god at Carrhae, about 25 miles away,Caracalla mistakenly traveled with only a small, select corps of bodyguards. During the return trip on April 8, 217, Caracalla stopped alongside the road to relieve himself and was murdered by some of the very men he trusted. The first coin issues featuring Caracalla shown him as a young prince and over the years of subsequent issues, a gradual maturing and hardening in looks may be seen. The aging of this Roman ruler as seen through numismatic portraits, is a fascinating topic of interest to collectors. Overall diameter is 26 mm. CPR107 SOLD COMES WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY / HISTORY SHEET *** shown with optional CHAIN B, not included |
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