Roman Silver Coin of Emperor Elagabalus (about 1,800-1,805 years ago)
This silver denarius was minted during the controversial reign of Emperor Elagabalus, a teenage ruler whose extravagant behavior and religious practices scandalized Roman society of his time. As a high priest of the Syrian sun god Elagabal before becoming emperor, he attempted to elevate his eastern deity above traditional Roman gods, creating tensions with the Senate and military that ultimately led to his downfall at a remarkably young age.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Elagabalus facing right, typically laureate (wearing a laurel wreath), with Latin inscription giving his name and imperial titles
Back side: May depict various Roman deities, personifications of virtues, or references to eastern religious practices that Elagabalus favored, accompanied by Latin legends
Technical Details:
Silver composition
Denomination: Denarius (standard silver coin of the Roman economy)
NGC certified
Minted between 218-222 AD
Condition as certified by NGC
Historical Significance: Elagabalus (also known as Heliogabalus) came to power at just 14 years old through a military conspiracy orchestrated by his grandmother Julia Maesa, who claimed he was the illegitimate son of the popular Emperor Caracalla. His brief reign became notorious for its religious controversy, as he attempted to replace Jupiter with his Syrian sun god Elagabal as the chief deity of Rome, even bringing a sacred black stone from Syria to the capital. Beyond his religious reforms, Elagabalus scandalized Roman society with his flamboyant behavior, disregard for Roman traditions, and alleged sexual excesses. His eccentric conduct and neglect of governmental affairs alienated the powerful Praetorian Guard, who assassinated him and his mother in 222 AD when he was only 18 years old, replacing him with his more conventional cousin Alexander Severus.
This silver denarius was minted during the controversial reign of Emperor Elagabalus, a teenage ruler whose extravagant behavior and religious practices scandalized Roman society of his time. As a high priest of the Syrian sun god Elagabal before becoming emperor, he attempted to elevate his eastern deity above traditional Roman gods, creating tensions with the Senate and military that ultimately led to his downfall at a remarkably young age.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Elagabalus facing right, typically laureate (wearing a laurel wreath), with Latin inscription giving his name and imperial titles
Back side: May depict various Roman deities, personifications of virtues, or references to eastern religious practices that Elagabalus favored, accompanied by Latin legends
Technical Details:
Silver composition
Denomination: Denarius (standard silver coin of the Roman economy)
NGC certified
Minted between 218-222 AD
Condition as certified by NGC
Historical Significance: Elagabalus (also known as Heliogabalus) came to power at just 14 years old through a military conspiracy orchestrated by his grandmother Julia Maesa, who claimed he was the illegitimate son of the popular Emperor Caracalla. His brief reign became notorious for its religious controversy, as he attempted to replace Jupiter with his Syrian sun god Elagabal as the chief deity of Rome, even bringing a sacred black stone from Syria to the capital. Beyond his religious reforms, Elagabalus scandalized Roman society with his flamboyant behavior, disregard for Roman traditions, and alleged sexual excesses. His eccentric conduct and neglect of governmental affairs alienated the powerful Praetorian Guard, who assassinated him and his mother in 222 AD when he was only 18 years old, replacing him with his more conventional cousin Alexander Severus.
This silver denarius was minted during the controversial reign of Emperor Elagabalus, a teenage ruler whose extravagant behavior and religious practices scandalized Roman society of his time. As a high priest of the Syrian sun god Elagabal before becoming emperor, he attempted to elevate his eastern deity above traditional Roman gods, creating tensions with the Senate and military that ultimately led to his downfall at a remarkably young age.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Elagabalus facing right, typically laureate (wearing a laurel wreath), with Latin inscription giving his name and imperial titles
Back side: May depict various Roman deities, personifications of virtues, or references to eastern religious practices that Elagabalus favored, accompanied by Latin legends
Technical Details:
Silver composition
Denomination: Denarius (standard silver coin of the Roman economy)
NGC certified
Minted between 218-222 AD
Condition as certified by NGC
Historical Significance: Elagabalus (also known as Heliogabalus) came to power at just 14 years old through a military conspiracy orchestrated by his grandmother Julia Maesa, who claimed he was the illegitimate son of the popular Emperor Caracalla. His brief reign became notorious for its religious controversy, as he attempted to replace Jupiter with his Syrian sun god Elagabal as the chief deity of Rome, even bringing a sacred black stone from Syria to the capital. Beyond his religious reforms, Elagabalus scandalized Roman society with his flamboyant behavior, disregard for Roman traditions, and alleged sexual excesses. His eccentric conduct and neglect of governmental affairs alienated the powerful Praetorian Guard, who assassinated him and his mother in 222 AD when he was only 18 years old, replacing him with his more conventional cousin Alexander Severus.
