Elagabalus Silver Antoninianus RIC IV Elagabalus 149e

Monetary and Historical Context

The radiate silver denomination commonly designated by modern numismatists as the antoninianus was introduced by Caracalla in AD 215 to address soaring state expenditures and military payroll demands. Rated tariffed as a double denarius, the coin possessed an intrinsic silver mass equivalent to only about one and a half denarii, affording the imperial treasury a profitable seigniorage margin. During the brief reign of Macrinus (AD 217-218) and the early years of Elagabalus (AD 218-222), production of the antoninianus continued selectively alongside the primary silver denarius. For Elagabalus, newly elevated by Syrian legions claiming his paternity as Caracalla's natural son, asserting traditional Severan legitimacy through coinage was imperative. The emission of antoniniani carrying conservative, auspicious ideological themes helped consolidate acceptance among provincial garrisons and capital elites alike.

Production and Mint Organization

RIC IV Elagabalus 149e was produced exclusively by the primary imperial mint at Rome. Under Elagabalus, the Rome mint operated multiple officinae responsible for regular cycles of denarii, radiates, and imperial bronze aes issues. Metallurgical analyses of early Severan radiates indicate that antoniniani of this period typically weigh between 4.5 and 5.5 grams on average, although weights fluctuate across individual surviving specimens due to loose mass controls during blank preparation. The silver purity had declined from earlier Antonine standards to roughly 40 to 50 percent fine silver alloyed with copper. Production of this type occurred within organized die-cutting workshops adhering strictly to standard imperial iconographic templates established by the imperial administration.

Obverse Iconography and Regalia

The obverse presents a right-facing portrait bust of Elagabalus depicted in radiate regalia. The radiate crown serves as the numismatic marker denoting the double denomination value, distinguishing the piece from the single denarius, which bore a laurel wreath. Catalogue classification 149e specifically defines the imperial portrait as draped, viewed from the side or slightly behind, omitting the cuirassed armor that appears on alternative bust variants (such as draped and cuirassed, or cuirassed alone, categorized separately in the standard literature). The juvenile features of the adolescent prince are clearly delineated, rendered in the classicizing artistic style typical of the Rome mint during this period.

Reverse Design and Symbolism

The reverse iconography depicts the Roman personification Felicitas standing draped and facing toward the left. In her right hand she holds an upright winged caduceus, an ancient emblem of peaceful commerce, celestial blessing, and harmonious governance. Resting in her left arm is a cornucopia, representing agricultural bounty, abundance, and imperial generosity. Felicitas was a standard component of Severan imperial propaganda, employed repeatedly to reassure the Roman world that stability, happiness, and prosperity had been restored under the legitimate Antonine lineage after the disruptions of civil conflict.

Epigraphy and Legends

The obverse inscription reads IMP ANTONINVS AVG, presenting a condensed imperial titulature consisting of Imperator, the dynastic name Antoninus, and Augustus. By adopting the name Antoninus, Elagabalus publicly reinforced his purported descent from Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus). The reverse legend is TEMPORVM FELICITAS, translating as 'The Felicity of the Times' or 'Prosperity of the Age.' Both inscriptions are rendered in regular capital letters without punctuation, engraved in circular fashion along the outer borders of the dies inside beaded rings.

Typology and Chronology

Within the typology of the Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC), number 149 comprises a suite of antoniniani sharing the reverse legend TEMPORVM FELICITAS and the obverse legend IMP ANTONINVS AVG, sub-divided by specific variations in imperial drapery and armor. Suffix 'e' denotes the bust variety that is radiate and draped to the right, distinct from bare-shouldered, cuirassed, or left-facing alternatives. Because the legends lack explicit tribunician or consular numbers, the type is dated broadly to the reign of Elagabalus, spanning AD 218 to 222, though stylistic affinities and hoard compositions suggest concentrated striking early in the reign before antoninianus emissions ceased almost entirely at Rome around AD 219-220.

Circulation, Hoards, and Survival

Antoniniani of Elagabalus circulated throughout the Roman Empire alongside earlier Severan silver denarii and radiates of Caracalla. Due to their overtariffed nature, radiates were frequently hoarded alongside denarii, as evidenced in significant third-century coin hoards throughout the European and Mediterranean provinces, including the broad series of finds from Roman Britain, Gaul, and the Danubian limes. When Severus Alexander succeeded Elagabalus in AD 222, antoninianus striking was suspended, leaving issues like RIC IV Elagabalus 149e to circulate until the general mass re-coinages and rapid hyper-debasements of the mid-third century under Gordian III and his successors removed older fine billon from daily commerce.

References

1. Description historique des monnaies frappees sous l'Empire Romain, Tome IV. p. 347, no. 280
2. Coinage in the Roman Economy, 300 B.C. to A.D. 700. pp. 125-132
3. The Roman Imperial Coinage, Vol. IV, Part II: Macrinus to Pupienus. p. 42, no. 149e
4. Online Coins of the Roman Empire: RIC IV Elagabalus 149e. ric.4.el.149e