CVC & Collectables presents a silver denarius of Caracalla, struck during his early years as Caesar under Septimius Severus. This youthful portrait issue highlights Caracalla as Princeps Iuventutis—“Leader of the Youth”—a title emphasizing his role as heir to the Roman Empire.
Coin Highlights:
- Ruler: Caracalla (as Caesar, AD 196–198)
- Denomination: Denarius
- Date: AD 196–198
- Mint: Rome
- Metal: Silver (AR)
- Grade: NGC Fine
- Reference: RIC 13a; RSC 505
- Diameter: ~18–20 mm
- Weight: ~3.0–3.5 g
- Obverse: M AVR ANTON CAES PONTIF – Bare-headed, draped bust right
- Reverse: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS – Caracalla standing left, holding baton and scepter; trophy to right
- Type: Early Caesar issue / heir designation
Historical Significance:
The imagery of Caracalla standing with a scepter and baton, alongside a trophy, symbolizes both authority and military promise. These types were part of a broader propaganda effort to legitimize the Severan dynasty during a time of consolidation following civil war.
Emperor History – Caracalla:
- Reign: AD 198–217 (as Augustus); Caesar from AD 196
- Son of Septimius Severus and co-emperor with Geta
- Known for the Constitutio Antoniniana (AD 212) granting Roman citizenship to most free inhabitants
- Notorious for ordering the murder of his brother Geta
- Remembered for military focus and the construction of the Baths of Caracalla
- Assassinated in AD 217 during a military campaign
Collectibility:
Denarii of Caracalla as Caesar are highly collectible due to their historical importance and early portraiture.
- Early issue showing young Caracalla before becoming emperor
- Classic Princeps Iuventutis reverse type
- Silver denarius with strong historical narrative
- NGC-certified Fine example with clear attribution
- Popular with collectors of Severan dynasty coinage
An excellent entry-level ancient silver with strong historical context—get it here now, these early Caracalla issues are always in demand.
