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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Elagabalus 336

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Elagabalus 336. Denomination: As. Authority: Elagabalus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Elagabalus, horned, laureate, draped, 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 club in left hand; behind altar, bull crouching; in field, star, with the legend P M TR P V COS IIII 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

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, known posthumously as Elagabalus, ruled the Roman Empire from 218 to 222. Originating from a prominent Syrian Arab family in Emesa, he served from a young age as the head priest of the sun god Elagabal. Raised to the Principate at the age of fourteen following an army revolt against Macrinus, his short reign was marked by religious controversy as he introduced the cult of Elagabal to Rome.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze as reflects the emperor's priestly role and religious focus. The obverse presents him under the imperial legend "IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG". The reverse depicts Elagabalus wearing Syrian priestly robes and sacrificing over an altar before a crouching bull, accompanied by a star and the legend "P M TR P V COS IIII P P S C". He presided over rites celebrating his deity in person, making the cult a central part of religious life in the city.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
As

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Elagabalus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Elagabalus, horned, laureate, draped, right
Reverse
Elagabalus, in Syrian priestly robes, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted altar, holding club in left hand; behind altar, bull crouching; in field, star
Obverse legend
IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend
P M TR P V COS IIII P P S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Elagabalus 336
Denomination and metal
As, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P V COS IIII 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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