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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Elagabalus 324

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Elagabalus 324. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Elagabalus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Elagabalus, horned, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG.

The reverse shows elagabalus, in Syrian priestly robes, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted altar, holding cypress-branch in left hand; in field, star, with the legend P M TR P IIII COS III P P S C.

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 and ruling as Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, was Roman emperor from 218 to 222. Originally from an influential Syrian Arab family in Emesa, he served from a young age as the head priest of the sun god Elagabal. He became emperor at fourteen following an army revolt against Macrinus, before being assassinated at eighteen by members of the Praetorian Guard.

Produced at Rome, this dupondius represents a denomination valued during the empire at two asses or half a sestertius, typically distinguished from the as by the radiate crown adorning the emperor's bust. The reverse design reflects Elagabalus bringing the cult of Elagabal to Rome and presiding in person over rites dedicated to the deity, showing the emperor attired in Syrian priestly robes and sacrificing over an altar while holding a cypress branch.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Dupondius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Elagabalus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Elagabalus, horned, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Elagabalus, in Syrian priestly robes, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted altar, holding cypress-branch in left hand; in field, star
Obverse legend
IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend
P M TR P IIII COS III P P S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Elagabalus 324
Denomination and metal
Dupondius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P IIII COS III P P S C
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

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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