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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Elagabalus 291

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Elagabalus 291. Denomination: As. Authority: Elagabalus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Elagabalus, laureate, draped, right, with the legend IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG.

The reverse shows elagabalus, togate, seated left on platform, holding sceptre; before him, Liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; to left, citizen, standing right, mounting steps of platform, with the legend P M TR P II COS II P P S C LIBERAL AVG II. The obverse shows bust of Elagabalus, laureate, draped, right, with the legend IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG.

The reverse shows elagabalus, togate, seated left on platform, holding sceptre; before him, Liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; to left, citizen, standing right, mounting steps of platform, with the legend P M TR P II COS II P P S C LIBERAL AVG II.

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

Elagabalus, born Varius Avitus Bassianus, was Roman emperor from 218 to 222 after being raised to the Principate at 14 years of age through an army revolt instigated by his grandmother Julia Maesa. Coming from Emesa, Syria, where he served as head priest of the sun god Elagabal, his rule in Rome was marked by significant religious controversy and estrangement from the Senate and Praetorian Guard. Struck at the mint in Rome, this bronze as represents imperial authority during his turbulent teenage reign.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
As

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Elagabalus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Elagabalus, laureate, draped, right
Reverse
Elagabalus, togate, seated left on platform, holding sceptre; before him, Liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; to left, citizen, standing right, mounting steps of platform
Obverse legend
IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend
P M TR P II COS II P P S C LIBERAL AVG II

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Elagabalus 291
Denomination and metal
As, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P II COS II P P S C LIBERAL AVG II
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. 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

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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