Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 95 13 Apr 2022
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Elagabalus AR Denarius. Rome, AD 220-221. IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped bust to right wearing 'horn' / P M TR P IIII COS III P P, Emperor standing to left, sacrificing over lighted altar, holding patera and branch; star in left field. RIC IV 46; BMCRE 256; RSC 196. 3.00g, 18mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine.
From a private European collection.
The reverse of this coin shows the Emperor sacrificing at an altar and with a star in the left field, representing Elagabal as Deus Sol Invictus, while the obverse features a portrait of the emperor laureate and with a 'horn' protruding from his forehead. Mattingly and Sydenham suggested that the horn represents rays of sun emanating from the Emperor's head, thus showing his divine patronage, and liken its use to other instances in history, such as the horn of Ammon that is present on the coinage of Alexander the Great and his successors. However, more recent scholarship has suggested that the 'horn' in question is in fact symbolic of his depraved religious practices, and perhaps deliberately intended to antagonise Roman sensibilities.
Good Very Fine.
From a private European collection.
The reverse of this coin shows the Emperor sacrificing at an altar and with a star in the left field, representing Elagabal as Deus Sol Invictus, while the obverse features a portrait of the emperor laureate and with a 'horn' protruding from his forehead. Mattingly and Sydenham suggested that the horn represents rays of sun emanating from the Emperor's head, thus showing his divine patronage, and liken its use to other instances in history, such as the horn of Ammon that is present on the coinage of Alexander the Great and his successors. However, more recent scholarship has suggested that the 'horn' in question is in fact symbolic of his depraved religious practices, and perhaps deliberately intended to antagonise Roman sensibilities.