Elagabalus Silver Antoninianus 218AD SALVS ANTONINI Reverse
Lot 439 · Consigned by OriginalSkinCoins
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Description
Emperor Elagabalus (r. 218-222 A.D.) Silver AR Antoninianus
Obverse: IMP CAES ANTONINVS AVG, Bust of Elagabalus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse: SALVS ANTONINI AVG, Salus, draped, standing right, feeding snake held in her arms out of dish in left hand
Date: c. 218-222 A.D., RIC 137f
Size: 22.5mm diameter, 5.24g weight
Composition: Silver
The reverse of this coin features Salus, the Roman goddess of safety, health and well-being. Salus (via her Greek equivalent, Hygeia) was the daughter of Asclepius, and on Roman coins is typically depicted feeding her father's pet snakes.
Recommended article for more info about Salus and her snakes.