★ Portrait of Caracalla ★

MESOPOTAMIA. Edessa. Macrinus, 217-218. Tetradrachm (Billon, 26 mm, 14.39 g, 1 h). ΑΥ•Κ•Μ ΟΠЄΛ•CЄ•ΜΑΚΡЄΙΝΟC Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Macrinus to right, seen from behind. Rev. ΔΗΜΑΡ•Χ•ЄΞ ΥΠΑΤΟC Eagle with spread wings standing facing, head to right and holding wreath in beak; between the eagle's legs, shrine. Prieur 852. Sharply struck and with an impressive portrait. The reverse somewhat double struck, otherwise, extremely fine.

The portrait of Macrinus on this coin closely resembles that of Caracalla, which may indicate that this was the first issue struck at Edessa, before the arrival of Macrinus' official portrait.