Elagabalus, denarius, silver, reign 218–222, minted 218–222

Elagabalus, denarius, silver, reign 218–222, minted 218–222, weight 3.20 g, diameter 19 mm. Obverse: Radiate, draped bust right; legend IMP ANTONINVS AVG. Reverse: Fides standing facing, head to right, holding standard in right hand and vexillum in left; legend FIDES MILITVM. Strike: Centered strike with all main design elements visible. Toning: Light silver-grey surface with traces of darker patina in recesses. References: RIC IV Elagabalus 73b. This silver denarius was issued under Elagabalus during his reign from 218 to 222. The obverse legend IMP ANTONINVS AVG identifies him as Imperator Antoninus Augustus, a title assumed upon becoming emperor. The reverse type, featuring Fides, the personification of loyalty, along with military standards, was intended to emphasize the bond between the emperor and the Roman army. This type was minted in Rome and reflects a common propagandistic theme of imperial coinage in the Severan period, which sought to reinforce the image of military support as a key foundation of imperial rule.