Description: Roman Imperial Elagabalus (AD 218-222) Denomination: silver AR denariusWeight: 2.56 gramsDiameter: 18 mmDie Axis: 5 hStruck: AD 218-219Mint: Antioch (modern Antakya, Turkey)Obverse: ANTONINVS PIVS FEL GERM, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust rightReverse: SANCT DEO SOLI, slow quadriga right, bearing the sacred stone of Emesa, surrounded by four parasols; ELAGABAL in exergue References: Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC) volume IV 195; Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum (BMCRE) volume V 284; Roman Silver Coins (RSC) volume III 268Grade / Comments: Very Fine, some roughness and scratches. RareProvenance: ex Münchner Numismatisches Antiquariat, Auction IV (October 10, 1988), lot 319This coin depicts the ritual transport of the stone of Emesa, likely a black meteorite, associated with the cult of the god El-Gabal (Elagabalus). Varius Avitus Bassianus, the emperor known today by his religious name of Elagabalus, became high priest of the Emesan sun god at the age of 14 and had the holy relic brought to Rome once he became emperor. Herodian (V.6.7) describes the annual transfer of the stone from its new temple on the Palatine hill to one nearby the city where it resided in the summer: “A six-horse chariot bore the sun god, the horses huge and flawlessly white, with expensive gold fittings and rich ornaments. No one held the reins, and no one rode in the chariot; the vehicle was escorted as if the sun god himself were the charioteer. Heliogabalus ran backward in front of the chariot, facing the god and holding the horses’ reins. He made the whole journey in this reverse fashion, looking up into the face of his god.” After Elagabalus’ assassination, the stone was returned to its home city of Emesa, whose own civic coin issues portray the stone. Coins are guaranteed genuine for life. Additionally, returns may be made within 30 days of receipt for any reason as long as items are undamaged and unaltered.
Price: 800 USD
Location: Madison, New Jersey
End Time: 2024-12-12T16:24:04.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Denomination: Denarius
Composition: Silver
Ruler: Elagabalus
