Elagabalus Denarius Ancient Roman Empire Silver Coin 218AD RIC 71b

Obverse: IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS AVG, Bust of Elagabalus, laureate, draped, right
Reverse: FIDES EXERCITVS, Fides, draped, seated left, holding eagle in right hand and standard in left hand; before her, standard
Date: c. 218-222 A.D.
ID: RIC IV Elagabalus 71b
Size: 20mm diameter, 3.01g weight
Composition: Silver

Fides was the Roman goddess of loyalty. The reverse inscription, FIDES EXERCITVS, translates to "Loyalty of the Army."

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.