204 NGC XF Caracalla Roman Empire Denarius Bacchus & Hercules Secular Games (17110902CZ)
Roman Empire silver denarius coin, Foss 30, RIC 74a (rated R2), 204 CE.
Certified by NGC to XF.
Rare historic issue minted during the celebration of the Secular Games in 204 with honors to Bacchus and Hercules, sacrifices, games, and a donative.
Issued during joint reign of Septimius Severus and Caracalla.
Obverse: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust of emperor as boy.
Reverse: COS LVDOS SAECVL FEC, Bacchus on left, standing right holding cup and thyrsus; facing him Hercules on right, standing left, holding club and lion-skin; at feet of Bacchus left a panther.
Bacchus was the Roman god of agriculture, wine and fertility copied from the Greek god. His plants were vines and twirling ivy.