Silver Denarius of Emperor Elagabalus, 218 CE - 222 CE
Silver and Diamonds
FJ.6125
This silver denarius is set in an 18 karat gold pendant containing 34 diamonds. Varius Avitus Bassianus (later known as Elagabalus), was barn at Emesa about A. D. 205. As...
This silver denarius is set in an 18 karat gold pendant containing 34 diamonds.
Varius Avitus Bassianus (later known as Elagabalus), was barn at Emesa about A. D. 205. As a boy he was priest of the Sun-god Elagabalus, a name he assumed after becoming emperor. His sudden rise to power was instigated by his grandmother who c1everly spread a rumor among the soldiers that her grandson was the son of Caracalla, whom the army loved. Following the defeat of Macrinus' s forces, Elagabalus was accepted by the Senate as emperor and began a leisurely journey to Rome. This beautiful denarius shows the youthful ruler wearing a laurel wreath, surrounded by the legend indicating one of his many titles, ANTONINVS PIUS AUG. On the reverse is the god Mars advancing right carrying a spear and trophy. Rome' s emperors were not only famous for their conquests; they also have a reputation for luxury and high style, often gathering the most gifted artists around them. This gorgeous pendant would be at home in any royal court, hanging around the neck of someone who would easily grace a palace.
Varius Avitus Bassianus (later known as Elagabalus), was barn at Emesa about A. D. 205. As a boy he was priest of the Sun-god Elagabalus, a name he assumed after becoming emperor. His sudden rise to power was instigated by his grandmother who c1everly spread a rumor among the soldiers that her grandson was the son of Caracalla, whom the army loved. Following the defeat of Macrinus' s forces, Elagabalus was accepted by the Senate as emperor and began a leisurely journey to Rome. This beautiful denarius shows the youthful ruler wearing a laurel wreath, surrounded by the legend indicating one of his many titles, ANTONINVS PIUS AUG. On the reverse is the god Mars advancing right carrying a spear and trophy. Rome' s emperors were not only famous for their conquests; they also have a reputation for luxury and high style, often gathering the most gifted artists around them. This gorgeous pendant would be at home in any royal court, hanging around the neck of someone who would easily grace a palace.