Numismatic

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

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During the turbulent years of 218 to 222 AD, the Roman Empire was ruled by Elagabalus, a young emperor famous for his dramatic religious reforms and his promotion of the Syrian sun god's cult. This ancient billon tetradrachm, struck at the provincial mint of Antioch in Syria, serves as a tangible artifact from that brief and remarkable era. The coin is composed of billon, a traditional ancient alloy combining silver with base metals. On the obverse, the laureate bust of the emperor faces right, framed by Greek imperial titles. This portraiture connected the far-reaching eastern provinces with the central authority of Rome. The reverse depicts a powerful eagle standing with its wings spread, holding a wreath in its beak. In its talons, the bird grips a military standard, a classic symbol of Roman authority and legionary presence in the East. This particular specimen has survived the centuries in Choice Very Fine condition, offering a fascinating window into the provincial coinage of the ancient world.