Elagabalus, Denarius, silver, reign 218-222, minted 218-222, weight c

Elagabalus, Denarius, silver, reign 218-222, minted 218-222, weight c. 3.1 g, diameter 18–20 mm. Obverse: legend IMP CAES M AVR ANTONINVS AVG; laureate, draped bust right. Reverse: legend MARS VICTOR; Mars advancing right, carrying spear in right hand and trophy over left shoulder. Strike: hammered on a standard imperial flan, variable centring and die alignment typical of the series. Toning: surviving examples usually show light silver-grey surfaces with occasional peripheral iridescence. References: RIC IV Elagabalus 123; BMCRE 248; RSC 105. The issue belongs to the early phase of Elagabalus’s reign, when the emperor, aged about fourteen, sought to reinforce military support after his accession through the backing of the Praetorian Guard and Syrian legions. The depiction of Mars Victor advertised anticipated success in defending the Severan dynasty’s position and aligned the youthful ruler with Rome’s traditional war deity. Silver content remained close to that established under Caracalla, indicating that substantial debasement had not yet begun, and large volumes of denarii were produced at the Rome mint to pay troops and stabilise the currency during the political transition of 218-222.