LYDIA, Sardis. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ (27mm, 8.88 g, 6h). Chrysanthinan Games issue. Lucius Cornelius Vettenianus, strategos and asiarch four times. Struck under Septimius Severus. Good Fine.

Electronic Auction 604
Lot: 492. Estimated: $ 100

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Sold For $ 425. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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LYDIA, Sardis. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ (27mm, 8.88 g, 6h). Chrysanthinan Games issue. Lucius Cornelius Vettenianus, strategos and asiarch four times. Struck under Septimius Severus. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Prize crown inscribed XPYCANΘINA containing palm frond. Hochard –; Kurth 525 (this coin); RPC V.2 Online –. Earthen brown patina, roughness. Good Fine. Extremely rare, unique.

From the Heather Howard Collection, purchased from Forum Ancient Coins inventory 80550.

The Chrysanthina flower, modern Mediterranean Strawflower, gave its name to the Chrysanthian Games, founded between 150 and 175 AD. The games honor Persephone, who was said to be picking these flowers in a field near Sardis when she was abducted by Hades and taken to be his wife as queen of the underworld. The prize wreath given to the winners of these games was made of these flowers.

Closing Date and Time: 18 February 2026 at 12:43:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.