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The Roman Empire AR Antoninianus of Elagabalus, minted in 219 A.D., represents a fascinating period in the history of the Roman Empire, marked by the reign of one of its more controversial and eccentric emperors. Elagabalus, whose full name was Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, came to power at a young age, following the death of his cousin Carus. His reign was characterized by his strong devotion to the god Elagabal, an eastern sun god, and his attempts to bring the cult of Elagabal to Rome. His rule, however, was tumultuous and brief, ending in his assassination in 222 A.D. Despite the instability of his reign, Elagabalus' coinage offers valuable insights into the religious and political atmosphere of the time. The AR Antoninianus minted during 219 A.D. serves as an important artifact, highlighting his devotion to the cult of Elagabal and his use of coinage as a tool for political propaganda and religious influence.
The coin in question is an Antoninianus, a denomination that was introduced by Emperor Carus' predecessor, the emperor Carus. This denomination was initially designed to provide the emperor with a larger circulating coin that would be used to pay the Roman legions and fund the government’s expenses. The Antoninianus was worth two denarii but was struck in a lighter weight, which eventually led to a devaluation of the coin in subsequent reigns. Elagabalus, during his time as emperor, continued to mint this denomination as part of his efforts to maintain the monetary system and stabilize the economy during his reign. The coin was used in both domestic and international trade, making it a common piece of currency during his reign. Coins such as this one were frequently used for paying soldiers, merchants, and citizens, making them a primary means of currency circulation in the Roman Empire.
The obverse of the Antoninianus of Elagabalus features a portrait of the emperor, depicted in a traditional manner with a radiate crown. The radiate crown, a symbol of the sun god and imperial power, emphasizes Elagabalus’ connection to the solar deity he worshipped, Elagabal. The portrait shows Elagabalus with a youthful face, emphasizing his relatively young age at the time of his ascension to the throne. The inscription around the portrait reads “IMPCESSANT AUGG,” which stands for “Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus,” confirming his imperial status. The portrayal of the emperor is executed in high relief, with distinct facial features, and his youthful appearance contrasts with the more common mature images of Roman emperors. This design reflects the way in which Elagabalus sought to represent himself, not only as a ruler but also as a divine figure, connected to the gods and bearing the authority of the imperial throne.
The reverse of the Antoninianus of Elagabalus features a depiction of the goddess Fides, the personification of trust and loyalty. Fides was often invoked in Roman religion to symbolize the reliability of the emperor and the loyalty of his subjects. On the reverse, Fides is shown standing and holding a standard in one hand and extending her other hand, a gesture that was often interpreted as one of blessing or protection. This representation of Fides highlights the emperor’s reliance on the loyalty and support of his army and citizens during a period when his reign was plagued by instability and unrest. The inscription on the reverse reads “FIDES EXERCITVS,” meaning “Fides of the army,” reinforcing the idea that the emperor’s strength came from the trust and loyalty of his military forces. The reverse design was a clear reflection of Elagabalus’ political message: he needed to emphasize his bond with the Roman legions to maintain his control over the empire and assert his legitimacy as emperor.
The minting of the Antoninianus under Elagabalus was likely conducted in Rome, at one of the imperial mints. The Roman mint produced coins for the entire empire, with various denominations being struck for use in both the capital and the provinces. The minting process involved the engraving of dies that were used to strike the coins, creating high-quality images of the emperor and various deities. Coins such as the Antoninianus were used to facilitate trade, pay soldiers, and fund public works, all while serving as propaganda tools to promote the emperor’s image. The high volume of coinage produced under Elagabalus, especially in the Antoninianus denomination, reflects the need for the emperor to maintain a stable monetary system during his reign, despite the challenges he faced. His efforts to assert his control over the empire through coinage were part of a broader strategy to solidify his legitimacy, even as his reign became increasingly controversial.
The mintage of the Antoninianus under Elagabalus is difficult to pinpoint exactly, but it is believed that a significant number of these coins were produced during his reign. As one of the primary coins used in daily transactions, the Antoninianus circulated widely across the empire. The coin’s design, featuring both the emperor’s portrait and the goddess Fides, ensured that the emperor’s image and political message were widely disseminated. The production of coins, particularly in the denomination of the Antoninianus, helped to ensure that the emperor could maintain financial stability and continue to fund his military campaigns, which were crucial to maintaining his grip on power. The widespread circulation of these coins also served as a reminder of the emperor’s presence and his role as the protector of the Roman state.
The condition of the Antoninianus of Elagabalus in this example is graded as ChVF (Choice Very Fine), which means that the coin is in excellent condition with only minor wear. Coins in this grade retain much of their original detail, with clearly defined features on both the obverse and reverse. The portrait of Elagabalus on the obverse remains sharp, with well-preserved details in the emperor’s face and crown. The reverse, depicting the goddess Fides, also shows a great deal of detail, with her figure and the inscription remaining legible and well-defined. The coin’s surfaces are smooth, with only light scratches and minor contact marks, which are typical of coins that have been circulated. The overall quality of the coin, with its distinct design and excellent preservation, makes it a desirable piece for collectors of Roman coins and numismatic enthusiasts.
The Antoninianus of Elagabalus, minted in 219 A.D., is an exceptional example of Roman coinage from a reign marked by both religious fervor and political instability. The coin’s design, featuring the emperor on the obverse and the goddess Fides on the reverse, serves as a powerful statement of the emperor’s political ideology and his relationship with the military and his subjects. The minting of these coins in large quantities highlights the importance of coinage in maintaining the empire’s financial system and in communicating the emperor’s image to the people. The coin’s preservation in ChVF condition, with its sharp details and attractive appearance, adds to its desirability for collectors and numismatists. This coin provides a tangible connection to a fascinating and tumultuous period in Roman history and remains a valuable piece for understanding the reign of Elagabalus and the role of coinage in Roman society.
In conclusion, the Antoninianus of Elagabalus from 219 A.D. is an important and historically significant coin, offering valuable insights into the political, religious, and economic life of the Roman Empire during the reign of one of its more controversial emperors. The coin’s design, featuring the portrait of the emperor and the goddess Fides, reinforces the emperor’s political message while also highlighting the religious aspects of his rule. The minting of the coin and its widespread circulation reflect the significance of coinage in the daily lives of Roman citizens and the stability of the empire. The preservation of this example in ChVF condition makes it a prized piece for collectors and a valuable addition to any collection of Roman coins.