Ancient Caracalla Coin AR Denarius Scarce DESTINATO IMPERAT Bull Skull RIC 6 For Sale

SCARCE EARLY CARACALLA SILVER DENARIUS — STRUCK WHILE HE WAS STILL CAESAR!

Offered here is a highly collectible Ancient Roman AR silver denarius of Caracalla, struck at Rome circa AD 196–198 while the future emperor was still Caesar.

This is the distinctive and sought-after DESTINATO IMPERAT issue, featuring an exceptional religious reverse centered on a clearly visible bucranium (sacrificial bull/ox skull), surrounded by the priestly implements of Roman state religion.

Emperor: Caracalla, as Caesar

Date: AD 196–198

Mint: Rome

Denomination: AR Denarius

Metal: Silver

Weight: 2.88 g

Diameter: Approx. 16.3 mm

OBVERSE:

M AVR ANTON CAES PONTIF

Youthful bare-headed and draped bust of Caracalla right.

REVERSE:

DESTINATO IMPERAT

Priestly implements consisting of lituus, apex, central bucranium and simpulum.

References:

RIC IV.1 6

RSC 53

BMCRE 193

Sear 6672

The remarkable DESTINATO IMPERAT reverse belongs to Caracalla’s early Caesar coinage and refers to his designation for imperial rule. The combination of the youthful portrait, unusual religious implements and prominent central bucranium makes this a far more distinctive type than the many standard Caracalla denarii encountered on the market.

This example retains an appealing youthful portrait with visible hair, facial and drapery detail. The reverse is especially attractive, with the dramatic horned bucranium immediately recognizable and the surrounding implements clearly represented. Portions of both legends remain readable despite the compact ancient flan.

A fascinating approximately 1,800-year-old silver coin from the Severan dynasty and a strong addition to any Roman Imperial, Caracalla or ancient silver collection.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and show the exact coin you will receive.

Guaranteed genuine ancient coin.

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