Elagabalus Silver Denarius RIC IV Elagabalus 95b

Monetary Context and Denominational Role

The monetary system under Elagabalus inherited the structural parameters established by Septimius Severus and Caracalla. The denarius remained the primary accounting unit and transactional silver denomination for urban commerce, military pay, and bureaucratic compensation, even as debasement continued to affect its intrinsic metallurgic content. While Caracalla had introduced the double denarius or antoninianus in AD 215, production of that larger denomination was suspended or severely curtailed under Elagabalus after an initial series of issues, making the traditional denarius the cornerstone of Rome's silver output between AD 218 and AD 222. Under Elagabalus, the silver denarius was struck to an average standard hovering between 2.8 and 3.2 grams, with an alloy fineness typically analyzed between 40 and 46 percent silver, balanced by copper. The production of RIC IV Elagabalus 95b was part of this continuous state expenditure, maintaining regular silver circulation across Mediterranean markets while navigating substantial fiscal pressure from military subsidies and lavish imperial ceremonies.

Mint Production and Manufacture

Catalogue type RIC IV Elagabalus 95b is firmly assigned to the imperial mint at Rome, the dominant hub of coin production for the empire. Operating with an established infrastructure of administrative officinae, the Rome mint processed cast silver-copper flans that were subsequently hot-struck between engraved bronze or iron dies. The execution of the dies for this type reflects the skilled hand of metropolitan engravers, characterized by compact, well-proportioned lettering and carefully rendered drapery folds. The flans for these denarii were often slightly irregular in circumference, with evidence of flan cracking along the edges caused by the forceful impact of the upper die. Die axes for this emission generally adhere to the predominant Roman standard of six o'clock or twelve o'clock alignments, though minor rotational deviations are common across surviving strikes.

Obverse Portraiture and Iconography

The obverse of RIC IV Elagabalus 95b presents a right-facing portrait bust of Elagabalus. In accordance with the precise sub-type designation 95b, the young ruler is depicted as laureate and draped, viewed from the side or slightly from behind, distinguishing it from sub-type 95a, which exhibits a laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust. The laurel wreath rests securely upon short, curled hair, terminating in hanging ties behind the neck, serving as an ancient symbol of victory and imperial supremacy. Early emissions from AD 218 through AD 220 portray a youthful facial structure without facial hair, emphasizing his juvenile accession. In later issues of the reign, the portraiture gradually matures, occasionally displaying faint sideburns. The bust execution captures the court portrait conventions of the Antonine legacy that Elagabalus claimed to embody.

Reverse Typology and Allegory

The reverse of the coin features Laetitia, the Roman personification of joyful celebration and lighthearted happiness, standing draped and facing left. In her outstretched right hand, she holds a circular wreath, a universal emblem of triumph, celebration, and festive gathering. In her left hand, Laetitia holds a ship rudder set upon a terrestrial globe. The combination of these attributes carries layered allegorical meaning: while the wreath represents communal jubilation, the rudder resting on a globe symbolizes imperial guidance, navigation of state affairs, and universal governance under benign cosmic order. Together, the attributes present the rule of the young emperor as an era of peace, prosperity, and divine fortune for the entire Roman world.

Epigraphy and Legends

The obverse carries the concise imperial legend IMP ANTONINVS AVG, read clockwise starting from the lower left. The title Imperator (IMP) opens the formula, followed by the dynastic name Antoninus, explicitly asserting Elagabalus's claim to be the son and legitimate successor of Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus). The title Augustus (AVG) concludes the formula, affirming his supreme constitutional authority. The reverse displays the legend LAETITIA PVBL, an abbreviation for Laetitia Publica, translating to 'Public Rejoicing' or 'Public Happiness.' This reverse inscription functions as a direct complement to the personification, broadcasting an ideological message designed to reassure both the civilian populace and the legions of widespread well-being and contentment under the current administration.

Typology and Chronological Classification

Within the typology of the Roman Imperial Coinage, RIC IV Elagabalus 95 comprises issues carrying the reverse legend LAETITIA PVBL paired with the obverse IMP ANTONINVS AVG. Harold Mattingly and Edward A. Sydenham catalogued the bust variations into distinct sub-types: RIC 95a for laureate, draped, and cuirassed busts, and RIC 95b for laureate and draped busts without cuirass. Because this type does not record tribunician years (tribunicia potestas) or consulships, its production cannot be narrowed to a single calendar year by inscription alone. Instead, general typology places its issuance between AD 218 and AD 222 at the mint of Rome. Stylistic analysis of portraiture suggests that emissions featuring smooth, youthful features appeared earlier in the reign, around AD 218 to AD 220, while slightly more mature portrait variations persisted into AD 221.

Circulation, Hoard Evidence, and Loss Patterns

Denarii of Elagabalus, including the RIC 95b type, circulated across the Roman Empire in substantial numbers. Hoard evidence from Britain, Gaul, the Rhine frontier, and the Danubian provinces demonstrates that silver struck under Elagabalus co-circulated alongside older, slightly finer denarii of the Antonine dynasty as well as contemporaneous Severan issues. Because the silver content of the denarius was consistently diminished throughout the third century, these coins remained in everyday commercial transactions for decades, frequently appearing in hoards deposited during the political and military crises of the AD 240s to AD 260s. Over time, circulation wear smoothed high points on the wreath, hair curls, and the rudder, though legible legends and identifiable drapery folds often survived extensive pocket wear.

References

1. Coinage in the Roman Economy, 300 B.C. to A.D. 700. pp. 125-132
2. Coining Images of Power: Representations of Severan Emperors on Coinage (A.D. 193-235). pp. 215-228
3. Online Coins of the Roman Empire: RIC IV Elagabalus 95b. RIC IV Elagabalus 95b
4. The Roman Imperial Coinage, Vol. IV, Part II: Macrinus to Pupienus. pp. 34-35, no. 95b