Denarius - Elagabalus (P M TR P IIII COS III P P; Sol) (221) front Denarius - Elagabalus (P M TR P IIII COS III P P; Sol) (221) back
Denarius - Elagabalus (P M TR P IIII COS III P P; Sol) (221) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

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

221 year
Silver 3 g 18.5 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
3 g
Diameter
18.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#276631
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Sol, radiate, naked except for cloak over left shoulder and flying behind, advancing left, raising right hand and holding whip in left hand; in 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: 2.82–3.21 g;
Diameter varies: 17.46–19.28 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 emperor Elagabalus, who was known for his controversial and unconventional reign. He was a priest of the sun god Sol, and his coinage often featured imagery related to the sun and the Roman pantheon. The Sol on the coin's reverse is a nod to Elagabalus' religious beliefs and his efforts to promote the cult of Sol Invictus, the unconquered sun, throughout the empire.