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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Elagabalus 131

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Elagabalus 131. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Elagabalus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Elagabalus, usually horned, laureate, draped, right, with the legend IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG.

The reverse shows 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, with the legend SACERD DEI SOLIS ELAGAB.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, known as Elagabalus, was Roman emperor from 218 to 222. Originally from a prominent Syrian Arab family in Emesa, he served as the head priest of the sun god Elagabal from a young age before being raised to the Principate at fourteen. His reign was marked by religious controversy after he brought the cult of Elagabal to Rome and personally presided over its rites.

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver denarius formed part of the standard Roman silver coinage established during the Second Punic War. The coin carries the obverse legend "IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG" and depicts the emperor in Syrian priestly robes on the reverse, sacrificing over a lighted altar with the legend "SACERD DEI SOLIS ELAGAB". This imagery directly reflects his position presiding over religious rites dedicated to the deity Elagabal.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Elagabalus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Elagabalus, usually horned, laureate, draped, right
Reverse
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
Obverse legend
IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend
SACERD DEI SOLIS ELAGAB

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Elagabalus 131
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
SACERD DEI SOLIS ELAGAB
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC IV Elagabalus 134

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC IV Elagabalus 135

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
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