Numismatic

Roman Antioch BI Tetradrachm Elagabalus (218-222 AD) Ch Fine NGC

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During the turbulent years of 218 to 222 AD, the provincial mint of Antioch in Syria produced this silver billon tetradrachm. This ancient denomination, composed of a mixture of silver and base metal, served as a vital currency in the eastern regions of the Roman Empire. The coin offers a direct connection to the reign of Elagabalus, an emperor remembered for his radical religious reforms and his deep association with the cult of the Syrian sun god Elagabal. The obverse of the coin displays a right-facing, laureate bust of the young emperor, surrounded by Greek inscriptions that proclaim his imperial titles. On the reverse, a powerful eagle stands facing forward, its head turned, clutching a wreath in its beak while holding a military standard securely in its talons. This particular specimen has survived the centuries with enough detail intact to receive a Choice Fine grading from a third-party certification service.