Roman Sestertius Coins

Inv. No.: c119
Date: A.D. 218-222.
Weight: 2.63g
 
Obv.: Elagabalus, laureate, draped.
IMP.ANTONINVS PIVS AVG.

Rev.: Fortune standing, left hand holding rudder placed on globe, right hand holding cornucopiae.
FORTVNAE REDVCI

The name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, conferred on Elagabalus by his grandmother Julia Maesa, recalls a revered predecessor. In view of Elagabalus’ bizarre criminality, the contrast between the two rulers is ironic. There is a similar irony in the lofty ideals propounded in the reverse.

For differences between the coins of Elagabalus and those of Caracalla, who assumed the same name, see St. p. 356.

Presented by the Classics and Ancient History Students Society, 1980.

Comparanda:
RIC, Elagabalus 83A.