Roman Silver & Bronze Coins - Imperial

Lot 3853    SESSION 18 (11.30AM FRIDAY 28TH JULY)    Roman Silver & Bronze Coins - Imperial

Estimate $200
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $170

ELAGABALUS, (A.D. 218-222), silver denarius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 218, (3.22 g), obv. laureate bust of Elagabalus draped to right, around IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS AVG, rev. around VICTOR ANTONINI AVG, Victory running right holding wreath and palm, (cf.S.7553, RIC 156, RSC 289). Lightly toned, extremely fine and scarce.

Elagabalus was born c203 and his full name was (Sextus) Varius Avitus Bassianus. His family held hereditary rights to the priesthood of the sun god Elagabal and he held the position of the high priest at Emesa. Herodian writes that Macrinus came to power to stop any rise of the family of Caracalla against him he exiled them to their estate at Emesa. Julia Maesa grandmother, of Elagabalus began to plot to overthrow Macrinus and elevate the fourteen year old grandson to the imperial throne. The third legion supported the claim and on May 16, 218 he was declared emperor. This coin commemorates this elevation as a victory against other soldiers who supported Macrinus and his defeat eventually resulted in him and his son Diadumenian being executed. The Senate accepted his claim as the son of Caracalla and issued this coin type.