Quinarius Aureus - Elagabalus COS III; Mercury
| Gold | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Elagabalus (Sextus Varius Avitus Basianus) (218-222) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 218-222 |
| Value | Gold Quinarius (25⁄4) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#276807 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mercury, standing left, holding purse in extended right hand and caduceus in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: COS III
Unabridged legend: Consul Tertium.
Translation: Consul for the third time.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Quinarius Aureus was a gold coin introduced by the Roman Emperor Elagabalus in 218 AD, and it was the first Roman coin to feature the image of a living emperor. This was a significant departure from the traditional Roman coinage design, which typically featured images of gods, goddesses, and other mythological figures. The coin's design was meant to emphasize Elagabalus' divine status and his connection to the god Mercury, who was depicted on the coin alongside the emperor. This innovative design was a precursor to the later Roman coinage that featured portraits of emperors and became a standard feature of Roman currency.
