Elagabalus Denarius Ancient Roman Empire Silver Coin 218AD RIC 95b

Obverse: IMP ANTONINVS AVG, Bust of Elagabalus, laureate, draped, right
Reverse: LAETITIA PVBL, Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and rudder set on globe in left hand
Date: c. 218-222 A.D.
ID: RIC IV Elagabalus 95b
Size: 18.5mm diameter, 3.36g weight
Composition: Silver

Laetitia was the Roman goddess of happiness and celebration.

Elagabalus became emperor at the age of 14, following the assassination of Emperor Macrinus. He was notorious for his eccentric behavior, which included supplanting the traditional Roman gods and adopting the cult of the sun god Elagabal 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.