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RIC IV Elagabalus 350

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Elagabalus 350. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Elagabalus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Elagabalus, usually horned, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG.

The reverse shows elagabalus, in Syrian priestly robes, standing right, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted altar, holding club in left hand; behind altar, bull crouching; something in field, star, with the legend INVICTVS SACERDOS AVG 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 under the imperial name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, was Roman emperor from 218 until 222. Originating from Emesa, Syria, where he had served as the head priest of the sun god Elagabal, he was elevated to the imperial throne at the age of 14. His brief rule in Rome concluded in March 222 when he was assassinated by disaffected members of the Praetorian Guard.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius carries the obverse title "IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG" and the reverse inscription "INVICTVS SACERDOS AVG S C". During his reign, Elagabalus brought the cult of Elagabal to Rome and made it a central feature of the city's religious life, presiding over rites celebrating the deity in person. The reverse imagery corresponds to these religious roles, depicting the emperor in Syrian priestly robes sacrificing over an altar with a patera, accompanied by a club, a crouching bull, and a star.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Elagabalus

Design

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

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Elagabalus 350
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
INVICTVS SACERDOS AVG 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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