Sestertius - Elagabalus (P M TR P IIII COS III P P S C) (221) front Sestertius - Elagabalus (P M TR P IIII COS III P P S C) (221) back
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Sestertius - Elagabalus P M TR P IIII COS III P P S C

221 year
Bronze 20.1 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Elagabalus (Sextus Varius Avitus Basianus) (218-222)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
221
Value
Sestertius (⅛)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
20.1 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#277006
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Elagabalus, in Syrian priestly robes, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted altar, holding club in left hand; behind altar, bull crouching; in field, star.

Script: Latin

Lettering: P M TR P IIII COS III P P S C

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

Comment

Mass varies: 18.44–22.76 g;

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, the Sestertius, was a common denomination during Elagabalus' reign and was used for everyday transactions. Despite its age, many of these coins have survived to this day and are highly sought after by collectors.