This silver drachm was struck in the city of Caesarea in Cappadocia during the early reign of Caracalla, while still Caesar under his father Septimius Severus. The obverse shows a youthful Caracalla in military dress, while the reverse depicts Mount Argaeus crowned by a star and crescent, tying the emperor to cosmic order and Cappadocia’s sacred landscape. Now hand-set in a sterling silver bezel, the coin’s ancient surface and subtle deposits remain visible, honoring its journey through centuries underground.
The History
Caracalla, later infamous for his ruthless rule, was first presented as heir to Septimius Severus and portrayed in youthful strength on early coinage like this drachm. Struck in Cappadocia, the imagery of Mount Argaeus was deeply local: the sacred mountain was believed to embody divine protection and eternal cosmic cycles. By pairing Caracalla’s portrait with this revered landmark, the mint promoted both imperial legitimacy and the emperor’s association with divine order. These drachms represent a unique blending of Roman authority and Cappadocian spirituality.
Coin Details
Origin: Caesarea, Cappadocia
Date: AD 196/7 (Regnal Year 5 of Septimius Severus)
Obverse: Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust of Caracalla right
Reverse: Mount Argaeus surmounted by a star; crescent in upper left field
Denomination: Drachm
Material: Ancient silver
Diameter: ~20 mm
Weight: ~5–6 g
Condition: Strong detail with ancient deposits and surface tone
See images for size comparison with a U.S. quarter
What’s Included
Authentic silver drachm of Caracalla (AD 196/7)
Custom hand-made sterling silver setting (bezel)
Matching sterling silver chain (16", 18", 20", or 24"); gold upgrade available
Signed certificate of authenticity with historical background
Velvet presentation box
Polishing cloth and care instructions
Free insured U.S. shipping, worldwide shipping available
The Peregrine Collection
The Peregrine Collection represents the finest of our offerings—rare or historically significant coins, each set in a fully hand-forged 18k gold bezel and paired with a dainty 14k gold chain. Every bezel is shaped, hammered, and polished entirely by hand to follow the natural contours of the ancient coin, ensuring both secure preservation and refined presentation. No two settings are ever alike, making each pendant a singular work of wearable history.
Caracalla and the Sacred Mountain
Sterling Silver
$535.00
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Testimonials
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FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes — all coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country — you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us — we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
