Ancient Coins

Roman Imperial Coinage, Elagabalus (218-222), Denarius, Nicomedia, c. 218-19, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, rev. SANCT DEO SOLI, ELAGABAL in ex., quadriga right bearing stone of Emesa upon which is an eagle; four parasols around, 2.51g/1h (RIC 195; RSC 268). Rare, good very fine £250-300

Elagabalus’ first year was passed in Nicomedia, the likely mint for this remarkable issue depicting the departure of the cult-stone of Ba’al from Emesa that accompanied the new emperor to Rome