Denarius - Elagabalus P M TR P IIII COS III P P
221 year| Silver | 1.85 g | 20.00 mm |
| 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 | 1.85 g |
| Diameter | 20.00 mm |
| Thickness | 1.7 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#276646 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
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; to right, one standard; 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
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 insight into his rule and the cultural influences of the time.
