A rare and impressive civic bronze from Sebastopolis featuring a youthful but commanding portrait of Caracalla, struck early in his sole reign. The strong imperial bust, shown cuirassed and draped, reflects the emperor’s cultivated image as both a military leader and protector of the eastern provinces. Caracalla’s reign was marked by campaigns along Rome’s eastern frontier and by his efforts to maintain loyalty among cities like Sebastopolis, which enjoyed elevated civic status and maintained prominent public cults.

The reverse presents Hercules, the archetypal hero and model of strength, framed within an elaborate architectural setting-possibly referencing a local sanctuary-flanked by two tetrastyle temples. This pairing of imperial portrait with monumental reverse reinforces the message of stability, divine favor, and civic pride under Caracalla’s rule.