★ Caracalla Medallion: The Pythian Games ★

Caracalla AE Medallion, Philippopolis

Caracalla (196-217). AE Medallion (40-42 mm, 35.26 g), Philippopolis, Thrace. Struck in occasion of the Pythian Games in honour of Alexander the Great.
Obv. AVT K M AVP CEVH ANTΩNEINOC, Laureate heroic-style bust of Caracalla to left, seen from behind, wearing aegis.
Rev. KOINON ΘPAKΩN AΛEZAN ΠYΘI / A EN ΦIΛIΠ / Π-O (in exergue), Caracalla riding horse springing to right, thrusting his spear at fallen foe wearing Phrygian cap.
Varbanov 1421; BMC -; SNG Cop.-; Mouchmov 5334.

Rare. Minor smoothing, otherwise, almost extremely fine and with an attractive emerald green patina.

Ex Numismatik Lanz Auction 160 (2015), Nr. 457.

The reverse legend (AΛEZANΔPIA ΠYΘIA) refers to the Pythian Games held by the Koinon of Thrace in honour of Alexander the Great (and, of course, Caracalla, who now considered himself Alexander).