Denarius of Caracalla (AD 198–217), struck at the Rome mint in AD 202, belongs to an issue from the period of joint rule with Septimius Severus, immediately following the conclusion of the Parthian campaigns.
The obverse presents a draped bust of the emperor facing right, with the legend ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, giving his name and titulature as Augustus.
The reverse shows a trophy (tropaeum) flanked by two seated, bound captives, with the legend PART MAX PONT TR P V. This composition belongs to the classical iconographic repertoire of Roman coinage, directly referencing military victories. The trophy symbolizes the defeated enemy, while the captives emphasize the reality of conquest and subjugation.
The title PART MAX (Parthicus Maximus) refers to victories over the Parthians achieved during the eastern campaigns conducted by Septimius Severus between AD 197–199, widely promoted in dynastic propaganda. Its inclusion in Caracalla’s titulature highlights his association with these successes and reinforces the legitimacy of Severan rule.
The remaining elements of the reverse legend refer to the offices of Pontifex Maximus and the fourth tribunician power (TR P V), allowing the issue to be securely dated to AD 202.
Roman Imperial
Caracalla (198-217), Denarius 202, Rome mint
Obverse: laureate, draped bust right
ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse: two captives, seated back to back, mourning, left and right of central trophy
PART MAX PONT TR P V COS
Diameter 20 mm, weight 2.79 g
