Elagabalus, 218-222. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 2.93 g, 6 h), uncertain mint in the East, 218-219. ANTONINVS PIVS FEL AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus to right, seen from behind. Rev. SANCT DEO SOLI / ELAGABAL Slow quadriga to right, carrying the sacred Stone of Emesa decorated with an eagle and surrounded by four parasols. BMC 284. Cohen 268. RIC 195. Thirion 360. Rare. A lightly toned and very attractive example of this important hissue. The obverse a bit weak, otherwise, about extremely fine.


This coin shows the famed Black Stone of Emesa, probably a meteorite, which played a central role in the worship of Elagabal, a Syrian solar deity. The emperor, Elagabalus, was the high priest of this cult, hence his nickname, and upon his accession the stone was brought to Rome and housed in the Elagabalium, a magnificent temple on the Palatine. Every year, a procession was held in which the stone was set on a chariot and paraded throughout the city. Elagabal's exotic rituals shocked the Romans, however, and upon his murder in 222, the sacred stone was duly returned to Emesa.