Caracalla Radiate Lion AR Denarius

Note the hallmark of all coinage of this emperor: a scowl and miltary style close cropped haircut. Caracalla had been the first Roman emperor to introduce lions into coinage, an homage to Alexander the Great (Check this paper out). The lion is wearing the radiate crown of Sol, one of the oldest Roman deities and ruler of the world. The emperor Aurelian had later elevated the rank of Sol to the highest official imperial cult (Sol Invictus).

Obverse: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate head right.

Reverse: P M TR P XVIIII COS IIII P P, lion, radiate, with thunderbolt in jaws, walking left.