Elagabalus Denarius Ancient Roman Empire Silver Coin 218AD RIC 131

Obverse: IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, Bust of Elagabalus, laureate, draped, right
Reverse: SACERD DEI SOLIS ELAGAB, Elagabalus, in Syrian priestly robes, standing right, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted altar, holding upright club in left hand; usually in field, star
Date: c. 218-222 A.D.
ID: RIC IV Elagabalus 131
Size: 19mm diameter, 2.78g weight
Composition: Silver

The reverse inscription, SACERD DEI SOLIS ELAGAB, roughly translates to "High Priest of the Sun God Elagabal."

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.