Caracalla Perinthus AE Medallion Boxing Games NGC VERY RARE 40 MM

Description

Caracalla Perinthus AE Medallion Boxing Games NGC VERY RARE 40 MM. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.
Heres a really cool piece of Roman history. Caracalla AE Medallion (listed by NGC only as AE40, which is its metal content and diameter) minted in Perinthos. This coin is a massive 40 MM in diameter, the same size as an American Silver Eagle. Perfectly centered. The obverse depicts Caracalla, the reverse Serapis. What is very interesting about the reverse is that Serapis is holding two boxer's himantes, or wrist bindings, over a lighted altar. "In ancient boxing, the opponents wrapped leather straps, often interspersed with lead plates, around their hands. Upon successful completion of the match, the tools would then be offered to the gods as a thank-offering. The competitions celebrated here were held in conjunction with Caracalla’s award of neocorate status to Perinthus during his march eastward to meet the Parthians." One of very few known. Another example, called a gF with light smoothing, light pitting, patina chipped, and with a huge chunk of Caracalla's face missing, sold for 0 plus buyers fee, or around 5.
This is really affordable for an ancient bronze medallion with barely any known to exist. Medallions are rarely encountered in the marketplace, usually only made for special occasions and believed to possibly have been given out by the emperor himself.
As usual, shipping to USA ONLY.