PHOENICIA. Sidon. Elagabalus, 218-222. Octassarion (Bronze, 28 mm, 15.20 g, 12 h). IM C M AV ΑNTONINVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus to right. Rev. COL AVR PIA METR SIDON around laurel wreath containing CER / PER IP / OECV / ISEL in four lines. BMC -. Rouvier -. RPC VI online 8433. Extremely rare, apparently the third known example of this highly unusual issue. Somewhat rough, otherwise, very fine.
This interesting and extremely rare coin commemorates the prestigious games held at Sidon. The inscription within the wreath, CER / PER IP / OECV / ISEL, expands to certamina periporphyra oecumenica iselastica: ‘purple-bordered, ecumenical, and iselastic [contests].’ The unusual epithet periporphyra clearly evokes Sidon’s celebrated purple-dye industry, while oecumenica indicates the games’ supraregional standing and iselastica refers to the privileges granted to victors, including the right to a ceremonial entry into their home city. The type thus provides remarkable testimony to Sidon’s agonistic culture, civic prestige, and celebrated purple industry.