SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Gabala. Diadumenian, 218. Tetradrachm (Billon, 24 mm, 14.62 g, 11 h), May-june 218. AYT K AN ΔIA•••ΔYM[...] Laureate and draped bust of Diadumenian to right, seen from behind. Rev. ΔHMAPX ЄΞ Eagle standing facing with spread wings, head turned to left and holding wreath in beak; to right, date palm; between legs, crab. Bellinger -. Prieur 1090 (only 1 example noted, same obverse die as present coin). Extremely rare. Somewhat crudely struck on a short flan, otherwise, very fine.


This tetradrachm is quite remarkable in that the titles and the laurel wreath mark it as an issue struck after the revolt of Elagabalus in May 218, when Diadumenian was raised to the rank of Augustus by Macrinus, and also in the unusual addition of a palm tree to the otherwise unvaried standing eagle type of the Syro-Phoenician tetradrachms of the era.