© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Elagabalus FIDES EXERCITVS; Fides
| Silver | 4.8 g | 22.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Elagabalus (Sextus Varius Avitus Basianus) (218-222) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 218-222 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.8 g |
| Diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#276674 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Fides, draped, seated left, holding eagle in right hand and standard in left hand; before her, standard.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FIDES EXERCITVS
Translation:
Fides Exercitus.
Loyalty of the army.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.57–5.64 g;Diameter varies: 22–23 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Fides (Fidelity) on the reverse, which was a common motif on coins during the reign of Elagabalus. Fides was a personification of the idea of loyalty and fidelity, and was often depicted holding a military standard or a phoenix, symbolizing the enduring nature of the Roman Empire. The inclusion of Fides on this coin may have been a way to emphasize the importance of loyalty and fidelity to the emperor and the state, particularly during a time of political instability and conflict.
