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Roman Provincial Elagabalus Bronze Coin – Marcianopolis Moesia Inferior – 218–222 AD

Roman Provincial Elagabalus Bronze Coin – Marcianopolis Moesia Inferior – 218–222 AD

$75.00
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FR-319
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Roman Provincial Elagabalus Bronze Coin – Marcianopolis Moesia Inferior – 218–222 AD

Elagabalus Bronze Coin – Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior – Varbanov 1384

Own an authentic piece of Roman Provincial history with this bronze coin of Emperor Elagabalus, struck at Marcianopolis in Moesia Inferior between 218–222 AD. This attractive ancient coin represents the turbulent reign of one of Rome's most controversial emperors and offers collectors a fascinating connection to the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire.

The coin features the laureate portrait of Elagabalus on the obverse and a distinctive grape bunch on stem reverse design, a motif associated with agricultural abundance and the prosperity of the region. With its compact size of 16.0 mm and weight of 2.39 grams, this coin is an excellent example of the diverse bronze coinage produced throughout the Roman provincial world.

Coin Specifications

  • Empire: Roman Empire
  • Emperor: Elagabalus (218–222 AD)
  • Region: Moesia Inferior
  • City Mint: Marcianopolis
  • Denomination: Provincial Bronze
  • Date: 218–222 AD
  • Metal: Bronze
  • Weight: 2.39 grams
  • Diameter: 16.0 mm
  • Reference: Varbanov 1384

Design Details

Obverse:

  • Laureate head of Emperor Elagabalus facing right

Reverse:

  • Grape bunch on stem facing right
  • Provincial agricultural symbolism

Historical Background – Emperor Elagabalus

Born Varius Avitus Bassianus in Emesa, Syria, Elagabalus became Roman emperor at the age of only 14 after the overthrow of Emperor Macrinus. His reign lasted from 218 to 222 AD and became one of the most controversial periods of the Severan Dynasty.

Elagabalus was originally a priest of the eastern sun deity El-Gabal, and after becoming emperor he attempted to elevate this religious tradition within the Roman state. His unusual religious policies and conflicts with Roman political traditions created significant opposition among the Senate and military.

After less than four years in power, Elagabalus was assassinated by members of the Praetorian Guard at approximately age 18. He was succeeded by his cousin Alexander Severus, beginning another phase of the Severan dynasty.

Historical Background – Marcianopolis

Marcianopolis was an important city in the Roman province of Moesia Inferior (modern northeastern Bulgaria). The city was renamed by Emperor Trajan after his sister Ulpia Marciana following the Roman conquest of Dacia.

Located near important military and trade routes, Marcianopolis became a major provincial center and produced a wide variety of Roman Provincial coinage during the Severan period. These issues are highly collected for their Greek-style inscriptions, local reverse types, and connection to the diverse cultures of the Roman Empire.

Why Collect This Coin?

  • Authentic Roman Provincial bronze coin
  • Issued during the reign of the controversial Emperor Elagabalus
  • Struck at the important Marcianopolis mint
  • Interesting agricultural grape reverse type
  • Nearly 1,800 years old
  • Referenced in Varbanov 1384
  • Excellent addition to:
    • Roman Provincial collections
    • Severan Dynasty collections
    • Ancient Greek and Roman coin collections
    • Historical coin collections
!