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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Elagabalus 400

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Elagabalus 400. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Elagabalus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Julia Soaemias, hair waved and turned up low at the back, draped, right, with the legend IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVGVSTA.

The reverse shows cybele, towered, draped, seated left in a throne between two lions, holding branch in extended right hand and resting left arm on drum set on left knee, with the legend MATER DEVM 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

The Roman emperor Elagabalus, born Varius Avitus Bassianus and closely related to the Severan dynasty, ruled from 218 to 222. Raised to the Principate at the age of fourteen following an army revolt against Macrinus, his brief reign was marked by significant religious controversy in Rome. He was assassinated in March 222 amidst widespread opposition from the Senate, the Praetorian Guard, and the Roman populace.

This bronze sestertius was produced at the mint of Rome under the authority of Elagabalus. During the Roman Empire, the sestertius was a large denomination useful for commerce, valued at one quarter of a denarius or two and a half bronze asses. The coin names Julia Soaemias with the obverse inscription "IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVGVSTA", while the reverse carries the legend "MATER DEVM S C" alongside a depiction of Cybele.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Elagabalus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Julia Soaemias, hair waved and turned up low at the back, draped, right
Reverse
Cybele, towered, draped, seated left in a throne between two lions, holding branch in extended right hand and resting left arm on drum set on left knee
Obverse legend
IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVGVSTA
Reverse legend
MATER DEVM S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Elagabalus 400
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVGVSTA
Reverse legend to match
MATER DEVM 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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