TYPE Roman Empire, Caracalla (198-217 AD), silver denarius, struck as Caesar, 196 AD DESCRIPTION . Obv: Draped bust of young Caracalla to right, legend: [M AVR AN]TON CAESAR PONTIF (partial) Rev: Sacrificial implements: lituus, apex, bucranium and simpulum, legend: [DESTINATO IMP]ERAT REFERENCE: SR 1890, RSC 53 GRADING: AEF / F, worn rev. die, undersized flan ORDER INFO: R1853, $40 Superb earliest portrait of young Caracalla (and long before he got that nickname), on a coin issued to commemorate his elevation to rank of Caesar at age 8. Formally appropriate for the occasion, the reverse message - "destined to be emperor" - rings ominously true, as emperor he certainly did become, albeit one cheifly remembered by his dark and cruel side.