Original Skin Coins
Elagabalus Denarius Ancient Roman Empire Silver Coin 221AD RIC 45a
Elagabalus Denarius Ancient Roman Empire Silver Coin 221AD RIC 45a
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Obverse: IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, Head of Elagabalus, laureate, right
Reverse: P M TR P IIII COS III P P, Victory, winged, draped, flying right, holding diadem (or garland) with both hands; to either side, shield; in field, star
Date: 221 A.D
ID: RIC IV Elagabalus 45a
Size: 19.5mm diameter, 2.93g weight
Composition: Silver
Victory (or Victoria) was the winged Roman goddess/personification of military victory.
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.