Denarius - Elagabalus INVICTVS SACERDOS AVG
| Silver | - | - |
| 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 |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#276699 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Elagabalus, in Syrian priestly robes, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over tripod, holding club in left hand; behind tripod, bull lying down; in field, star.
Script: Latin
Lettering: INVICTVS SACERDOS AVG
Translation:
Invictus sacerdos Augusti.
Invincible priest emperor.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius coin featuring Elagabalus (INVICTVS SACERDOS AVG) was issued during a time of significant religious and cultural change in the Roman Empire. Elagabalus, who was also known as Heliogabalus, was a priest of the sun god Elagabal and was known for his unconventional religious practices and gender expression. He was assassinated in 222 AD, and his coinage was likely issued posthumously as a way to legitimize his brief reign. The coin's design, featuring Elagabalus with a radiate crown and a scepter, reflects the religious and political tensions of the time.
