Denarius - Elagabalus (FIDES EXERCITVS; Fides) (218-222) front Denarius - Elagabalus (FIDES EXERCITVS; Fides) (218-222) back
Denarius - Elagabalus (FIDES EXERCITVS; Fides) (218-222) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Denarius - Elagabalus FIDES EXERCITVS; Fides

 
Silver 2.9 g 20 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Elagabalus (Sextus Varius Avitus Basianus) (218-222)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
218-222
Value
Denarius (½)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
2.9 g
Diameter
20 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#276675
Rarity index
94%

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: 2.03–3.42 g;
Diameter varies: 19.25–20 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 her image on the coin may have been intended to promote the idea of loyalty to the emperor and the state.