436, Lot: 382. Estimate $300. Sold for $340. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MESOPOTAMIA, Carrhae. Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 14.14 g, 12h). Struck AD 215-217. AVT K M A ANTΩNЄINOC C-ЄB, laureate head right / ΔHMAPX ЄΞ VΠA TO Δ, eagle standing facing on bull’s head flanked by pellets, head right, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak. Prieur 820; Bellinger 158. EF, golden tone around devices.

From the Michel Prieur Collection. Ex Robert Gait Collection, 597; RARCOA (15 March 1985), lot 136.

While campaigning in the east, Caracalla made a pilgrimage to Carrhae in April AD 217. As the emperor stopped to urinate, he was murdered by the soldier Justin Martialis, who we are told was infuriated with Caracalla after he was passed up for the position of centurion.