Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 131 30 May 2022
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Elagabalus 218 – 222
Aureus, Antiochia circa 218-219, AV 7.10 g. IMP C M AVR ANTONINVS P F AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. SANCT DEO SOLI Slow quadriga r., carrying the Stone of Emesa surmounted by eagle, surrounded by four parasols; in exergue, ELAGABAL. C 265. BMC 273. RIC 143. Calicó 3033.
Extremely rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. Among the finest
specimens known of this intriguing and historically significant issue.
Virtually as struck and almost Fdc
Privately purchased from Herb Kreindler in the late 90's.
Few emperors are known almost exclusively for their peculiarities and perversions, but on the short list of qualified applicants, Elagabalus rises to the top. The 19th Century antiquarian S.W. Stevenson, ever a delight for his artfully delivered comments, did not fail to deliver in his summary of Elagabalus whom he called: "...the most cruel and infamous wretch that ever-disgraced humanity and polluted a throne..." Elagabalus and his family had lived in Rome during the reign of Caracalla, who was rumoured to have been Elagabalus' natural father. When Caracalla was murdered, his prefect and successor, Macrinus, recalled the family to their homeland of Syria. Upon arriving, Elagabalus assumed his role as hereditary priest of the Emesan sun-god Heliogabalus. For the Roman soldiers in the vicinity, who engaged in the common practice of sun worship, and who had fond memories of the slain Caracalla, Elagabalus was an ideal candidate for emperor. He was soon hailed emperor against Macrinus, who was defeated in a pitched battle just outside Antioch. Conservative Rome was introduced to their new emperor's eccentricities and religious fervour when they learned of his overland journey from Emesa to Rome, with a sacred meteorite in tow. The journey, which took a year or more, in this collection is depicted on two aureii, this piece from Antioch and another from Rome. Both show the sacred conical stone of Emesa – in all likelihood a meteorite – being transported in a chariot drawn by four horses. The stone is usually emblazoned with an eagle, which on the Rome piece is uncommonly bold.
View a video of this lot
Aureus, Antiochia circa 218-219, AV 7.10 g. IMP C M AVR ANTONINVS P F AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. SANCT DEO SOLI Slow quadriga r., carrying the Stone of Emesa surmounted by eagle, surrounded by four parasols; in exergue, ELAGABAL. C 265. BMC 273. RIC 143. Calicó 3033.
Extremely rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. Among the finest
specimens known of this intriguing and historically significant issue.
Virtually as struck and almost Fdc
Privately purchased from Herb Kreindler in the late 90's.
Few emperors are known almost exclusively for their peculiarities and perversions, but on the short list of qualified applicants, Elagabalus rises to the top. The 19th Century antiquarian S.W. Stevenson, ever a delight for his artfully delivered comments, did not fail to deliver in his summary of Elagabalus whom he called: "...the most cruel and infamous wretch that ever-disgraced humanity and polluted a throne..." Elagabalus and his family had lived in Rome during the reign of Caracalla, who was rumoured to have been Elagabalus' natural father. When Caracalla was murdered, his prefect and successor, Macrinus, recalled the family to their homeland of Syria. Upon arriving, Elagabalus assumed his role as hereditary priest of the Emesan sun-god Heliogabalus. For the Roman soldiers in the vicinity, who engaged in the common practice of sun worship, and who had fond memories of the slain Caracalla, Elagabalus was an ideal candidate for emperor. He was soon hailed emperor against Macrinus, who was defeated in a pitched battle just outside Antioch. Conservative Rome was introduced to their new emperor's eccentricities and religious fervour when they learned of his overland journey from Emesa to Rome, with a sacred meteorite in tow. The journey, which took a year or more, in this collection is depicted on two aureii, this piece from Antioch and another from Rome. Both show the sacred conical stone of Emesa – in all likelihood a meteorite – being transported in a chariot drawn by four horses. The stone is usually emblazoned with an eagle, which on the Rome piece is uncommonly bold.
View a video of this lot