Caracalla. Denarius

Caracalla; 198-217 AD, Rome, 206-7 AD, Denarius, 2.82g. BM-507, C-108 (12 Fr.), RIC-156 (Rare). Obv: ANTONINVS - PIVS AVG Head laureate r. Rx: IOVI in exergue, SOSPI - TA - TORI around, Serapis, polos on head, standing front on base in niche or shrine, extending r. hand downwards and holding vertical scepter in l. Rare: only one specimen in Reka Devnia hoard, probably about forty known overall. The unusual invocation of Serapis as "Jupiter the Savior" suggests escape from a conspiracy or recovery from illness, but we know nothing certain about why this type was chosen for the coins in late 206 or 207 AD or about the location of the shrine depicted.. Toned VF