★ Scarce variety ★

Elagalabus (218-222) AR Denarius, issued 221. Rome, 2.84g, 19mm.
Obv: IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG; draped and “horned” bust right
Rev: Rev. emperor standing left, sacrificing over altar, standard on either side
RIC IVB 51
From the Shea19 collection Ex CNG E-Auction 465, Lot 722 (part of), Ex Mike Vosper FPL 112 (11 March 2000), no. 35a
Good detail both sides, and a scarce variety with standards (looking more like spears here).

Issued toward the end of his reign when the Roman people (especially the elites) were tiring of his erratic behaviour and Eastern religion. This coin depicts him wearing the “horn” that seems to be an accoutrement of his role as Priest of Elagabal. One possibility argued for in the literature is that it was in fact a desiccated bull’s penis.