Denarius - Elagabalus (PIETAS AVG; Pietas) (218-222) front Denarius - Elagabalus (PIETAS AVG; Pietas) (218-222) back
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Denarius - Elagabalus PIETAS AVG; Pietas

 
Silver - -
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
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#276751
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Pietas, draped, standing left, sacrificing with right hand over lighted altar and holding incense-box in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: PIETAS AVG

Translation:
Pietas Augusti.
Piety of the emperor (Augustus).

Comment

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Denarius - Elagabalus (PIETAS AVG; Pietas) coin is that it features a unique reverse design that showcases the Roman goddess Pietas, who is depicted standing and offering a sacrifice, symbolizing the emperor's piety and devotion to the gods. This design was a departure from the traditional Roman coinage that typically featured images of the emperor or other deities. The coin's focus on Pietas, a relatively obscure goddess at the time, suggests that Elagabalus may have been attempting to promote a more spiritual or religious image of himself, which was a departure from the typical military or political themes found on coins of previous emperors.