PHOENICIA. Sidon. Elagabalus, 218-222. Octassarion (Bronze, 30 mm, 14.95 g, 6 h). IMP CAESAR M A ΑNTONINV - [AV] Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus to right, seen from behind. Rev. [COL AVR PIA] METR SIDON Car of Astarte flanked by crescent and star; all within center of zodiacal wheel. BMC 260. Rouvier 1527. RPC VI online 8385. Very rare and with an interesting astrological reverse type. Pierced and slightly rough, otherwise, about very fine.



The reverse of this intriguing octassarion of Elagabalus from Sidon depicts the twelve signs of the zodiac encircling, at the center, Astarte’s chariot between a crescent and a star. Astarte was an eastern goddess of fertility, love, war, and hunting in ancient Phoenicia and Canaan, evolving from the earlier Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar, the Queen of Heaven — hence her association with the celestial sphere and the zodiac. The zodiac and astrology held great appeal among the superstitious in Classical society, especially for casting horoscopes and predicting the future. Interestingly, the coin is pierced for suspension, and the placement of the hole ensures that when worn, the reverse would face outward so the zodiacal design could be seen.