★ Diadumenian as Augustus ★

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Gabala. Diadumenian , 218. Tetradrachm (Silver, 23 mm, 13.87 g, 11 h), May-June 218. AYT K AN ΔIAΔYMЄNЄI• Laureate and draped bust of Diadumenian to right, seen from behind. Rev. ΔHMAPX EZ ΥΠΑ, Eagle standing facing with spread wings, head turned to left and holding wreath in beak; to right, date palm; between legs, crab. CNG 100 (2015), 1744 corr. (date palm omitted). Prieur 1090 var. (differing reverse legend). Very rare. Slightly rough , otherwise, good 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 Elagabal 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.