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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Elagabalus 420

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Elagabalus 420. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Elagabalus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Julia Maesa, diademed, hair waved and turned up low at the back, draped, right, with the legend IVLIA MAESA AVGVSTA.

The reverse shows pudicitia, draped, seated left, drawing veil over face with right hand and holding sceptre in left hand, with the legend PVDICITIA S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
8
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 ruled the Roman Empire from 218 to 222 after being raised to the Principate at fourteen years of age following an army revolt against Macrinus. This revolt was instigated by his grandmother, Julia Maesa, who belonged to a prominent Syrian Arab family from Emesa. Julia Maesa held significant influence throughout his reign, later devising the assassination plot carried out by the Praetorian Guard that ended his rule in March 222.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius was issued under the authority of Elagabalus in honour of Julia Maesa, who is identified on the obverse legend as "IVLIA MAESA AVGVSTA". The sestertius served as an ancient Roman denomination, nominally valued at one quarter of a denarius or two and a half asses, which made it useful for commerce. The reverse design features Pudicitia holding a sceptre and drawing a veil over her face, accompanied by the legend "PVDICITIA S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Elagabalus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Julia Maesa, diademed, hair waved and turned up low at the back, draped, right
Reverse
Pudicitia, draped, seated left, drawing veil over face with right hand and holding sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
IVLIA MAESA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend
PVDICITIA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Elagabalus 420
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IVLIA MAESA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend to match
PVDICITIA 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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