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RIC IV Elagabalus 390

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Elagabalus 390. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Elagabalus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Aquilia Severa, diademed, hair waved and fastened in plait, draped, right, with the legend IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG.

The reverse shows concordia, draped, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted altar and holding double cornucopiae in left hand; in right field, star, with the legend CONCORDIA 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 closely related to the Severan dynasty, ruled as Roman emperor from 218 until his assassination in March 222. Originally the head priest of the sun god Elagabal in Emesa, he attained the Principate following an army revolt. His reign in Rome was marked by significant religious controversy and opposition from the Senate, the Praetorian Guard, and the Roman populace.

This bronze sestertius was minted in Rome under the imperial authority of Elagabalus. The denomination functioned as a major Roman coin, valued in commerce at one quarter of a denarius. The obverse bears the portrait and title of his wife, Julia Aquilia Severa, styled with the legend "IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG", while the reverse invokes harmony through the figure of Concordia and the inscription "CONCORDIA S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Elagabalus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Aquilia Severa, diademed, hair waved and fastened in plait, draped, right
Reverse
Concordia, draped, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over lighted altar and holding double cornucopiae in left hand; in right field, star
Obverse legend
IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG
Reverse legend
CONCORDIA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Elagabalus 390
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG
Reverse legend to match
CONCORDIA 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

Varieties

  • RIC IV Elagabalus 389

    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.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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