Elagabalus Denarius Ancient Roman Empire Silver Coin 218AD RIC 139b

Obverse: IMP CAES ANTONINVS AVG, Bust of Elagabalus, laureate, draped, right
Reverse: SALVS ANTONINI AVG, Salus, draped, standing right, feeding snake held in her arms out of dish in left hand
Date: c. 218-222 A.D
ID: RIC IV Elagabalus 139b
Size: 19mm diameter, 3.31g weight
Composition: Silver

Elagabalus became emperor at the age of 14, following the assassination of Emperor Macrinus. He was notorious for his eccentric behavior, which included adopting the cult of the sun god Elagabal (also known as Elagabalus) as the state religion, hence the name he is now known by. 

The emperor's disregard for traditional Roman values and his preference for eastern customs led to increasing dissatisfaction among the Roman elite and the military. Amidst growing unrest, Elagabalus was deposed in 222 AD in favor of his cousin Severus Alexander. He and his mother were killed shortly thereafter. Elagabalus' reign is often seen as a period of turmoil and excess, marked by disregard for traditional Roman customs and institutions, though it's possible ancient writers fabricated many of the more sordid accusations against him.