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Sale: CNG 61, Lot: 1026. Closing Date: Sep 25, 
2002.  THRACE, Philippopolis. Caracalla. BID 
Estimate $1500  

THRACE, Philippopolis. Caracalla. 198-217 AD. Æ 
Medallion - 40mm (37.08 gm). Laureate bust left 
with aegis, seen from behind / Discobolos standing 
left, holding three balls and a discus. SNG 
Copenhagen 780 (same dies); BMC Thrace pg. 165, 
36. VF, dark green patina, some smoothing. Rare. 
($1500)
Of all the ancient buildings of Philippopolis, 
only the athletic stadium remains with its 
monumental entrance and a track of a little more 
than a stade in length (180 metres), with a 
capacity of about 30,000 people. Herodian mentions 
the restoration of the Pythian games in the cities 
of Thrace at the behest of Caracalla in honour and 
memory of Alexander the Great. This coin is part 
of a series of athletic types which commemorate 
this restoration by the provincial assembly of the 
Thracians, and include fight scenes, gladiators, a 
discobolos, gymnasts exercising and prizes.

 Copyright © CNG 2002
 Developed by DataArt 2002
Lot sold for  $1650, plus buyers fees.

Used by permission of Classical Numismatic Group, www.cngcoins.com.