Denarius - Elagabalus (P M TR P IIII COS III P P) (221) front Denarius - Elagabalus (P M TR P IIII COS III P P) (221) back
Denarius - Elagabalus (P M TR P IIII COS III P P) (221) photo
© Münzkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-NC-SA)

Denarius - Elagabalus P M TR P IIII COS III P P

221 year
Silver 2.8 g 19 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Elagabalus (Sextus Varius Avitus Basianus) (218-222)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
221
Value
Denarius (½)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
2.8 g
Diameter
19 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#276642
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Elagabalus, in Syrian priestly robes, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted altar, and holding branch (of cypress ?) in left hand; in left field, star.

Script: Latin

Lettering: P M TR P IIII COS III P P

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Quarta, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the fourth time, consul for the third time, father of the nation.

Comment

Mass varies: 1.87–3.4 g;
Diameter varies: 17.5–20.45 mm;

Example of this type:
Münzkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-NC-SA)

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 emperor Elagabalus, who was known for his controversial and unconventional reign. He was a priest of the sun god Elagabal, and his coinage often featured imagery related to the sun god and other deities. This particular coin, minted in 221 AD, shows Elagabalus wearing a radiate crown, symbolizing his connection to the sun god. Despite his unpopularity among the Roman Senate and aristocracy, Elagabalus' coinage remains a fascinating glimpse into his reign and the cultural influences of the time.