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: Laureate, draped bust right; legend IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. Reverse: Libertas standing left, holding pileus in right hand and sceptre in left; star in left field; legend LIBERTAS AVG. Strike: Well-centered strike on a small flan, full details visible. Toning: Light cabinet toning with minor surface marks. References: RIC IV Elagabalus 107b. This coin was struck during the reign of Elagabalus, a Roman emperor of the Severan dynasty who ruled from 218 to 222. The denarius was a principal silver denomination of the Roman Empire during this period. The obverse depicts the emperor in laureate and draped form, emphasizing imperial authority. The reverse portrays Libertas, the personification of liberty, a common motif in Roman coinage symbolizing personal and political freedom. The inclusion of the star in the left field is a control mark used at the mint. Coins of this period reflect both imperial propaganda and the economic conditions of the early third century.