Elagabalus, AR Denarius, Rome Mint, 218-222 AD – Mars

$95.00

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SKU: R2.11 Categories: ,

Description

Roman Imperial, Elagabalus, AR Denarius (silver, 2.82g, 19.2mm), Rome Mint, 218-222 AD
Obv:Ā  IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS AVG; laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right
Rev: MARS VICTOR; Mars advancing to right, holding spear and trophy over shoulder
Ref: RIC IV 123; BMCRE 21 Rarity/Choice: Common, aEF (some roughness otherwise cabinet toning, lovely bust)
Note: Elagabalus, known for his controversial reign marked by religious innovations and extravagance, ascended to the Roman throne in AD 218 at a young age. His devotion to the Syrian sun god Elagabal and his unorthodox practices led to tensions within the empire and ultimately contributed to his downfall and assassination in AD 222. The Denarius of Elagabalus minted in Rome during AD 218-222 provides valuable insights into the political and military aspirations of the emperor during his early reign. The coin’s imagery, featuring Elagabalus’s portrait and the depiction of Mars, underscores his efforts to establish himself as a strong and capable leader. This coin not only circulated as currency but also served as a means of promoting the emperor’s military prowess and projecting an image of imperial strength to the people of Rome and the wider empire.