Roman Empire, Caracalla, Aureus

This magnificent aureus bears an image of Caracalla (198-217) on the obverse and of the god Serapis on the reverse. The art of portrait took a new revival during the reign of Emperor Caracalla. Like on most of his coins, this aureus shows a masterly image of the emperor's features. The laurel wreath on his thick locks, the beard and the paludamentum – a cloak or cape worn by military commanders – are plastically framed out and carefully molded.