Elagabalus, 218-222, Antoninianus

Elagabalus, Antoninianus, Silver (AR), 218-222 CE, minted in Rome. Weight: 2.66g, typical diameter: 22mm. The obverse features a radiate and draped bust of Elagabalus facing right, inscribed with "IMP ANTONINVS AVG". The reverse presents the figure of Laetitia, the personification of joy, standing left, holding a wreath and anchor, accompanied by the inscription "LAETITIA PVBL". The coin exhibits a sharp strike with moderate detail preservation. It is catalogued as RIC IV Elagabalus 95b.

Elagabalus was a controversial Roman emperor noted for his religious innovations and eccentric behavior, ascending to power as a teenager. His reign marked a period of significant intrigue and scandal in Roman imperial history. The Antoninianus, introduced during the reign of Caracalla, was a denomination that sought to address inflationary pressures, emphasizing both Elagabalus's continuation of previous monetary policies and his engagement with Rome's complex economic challenges.