Posted below is an interesting collection of 18 different sestertii of Elagabalus, a 19 year effort (first coin purchased in 2002) with an extreme focus the last few years. My goal is to have an example of every type Elagabalus struck. Since only 10 files may be uploaded this posting is in two parts. It may take some time to find other examples besides what is below - no sestertius of Elagabalus is common but some more than others, and some rarely, if ever, make an appearance, especially an affordable example. However, through an odd combination of circumstances I managed to find about eight examples the last three years. It would be traditional at this point to set forth the history of Elagabalus - I am afraid that I just do not have time for it, but would urge readers to check out the fairly good summary on the Encyclopedia Britannica, which is online. Why Elagabalus? A number of reasons - he is not exactly a popular emperor, which makes his sestertii much more affordable. Plus some years ago I decided to focus on the study of the history of the Severan period. I have also found that a patient review of listings, along with help from kind sellers in the US and Europe, have allowed for the purchase of a number of coins of Elagabalus at relatively modest prices. Ancient coin collectors, I have found, are extremely helpful when it comes to the hobby, and several of the coins presented here were purchased through private sales from sellers who knew of my interest. 1. Roma seated RIC 280 - purchased from Paganecoins, ca. 2002 2. Roma seated - RIC 284. Purchased on ebay, ca. 2004 3. Sun God Standing - RIC 293 - purchased from a dealer who usually sells on VCOINS on ebay ca. 212 4. Genius seated holding globe- RIC 304. Purchased from well known Spanish dealer on ebay in 2021. I was delighted to be able to buy this coin since it is quite rare! 5. Elagabalus in Quadriga- RIC 308. I think I got this one was from Heritage, circa 2020. 6. Providentia - RIC 321 - purchased from Numismatik Naumann ca 2018. I like the Tibur patina 7. Emperor standing with patera over alter etc. RIC 327. Purchased on ebay from an Italian seller. circa 2011. The coins looks better than the photo. 8. Fides seated - RIC 345. Purchased on ebay ca. 212 from a VCOINS seller. I love this coin, which is almost 27 grams, and has a nice Tiber patina. A bit out of order - sorry. 9. Horned Emperor on obverse with Emperor standing with club and patera over alter- RIC 334. One of two rare COS V in the collection. A relatively recent purchase from a kindly fellow collector, ca 2021 10. Same type as above, sans horn. RIC 334 -
Thanks for sharing. My favorites are #2 - Roma seated and #6 - Hermione Granger holding a magic wand and a Cornucopia.
I like #6 as well - the dots at the end of the stars - I think you need the small details that Tiber patina gives you for that -
What I was trying to say is that Tiber patina sometimes shows details that are not shown on patinated coins.
I forgot to put in #5 that most existing examples on ACSEARCH are from this die pair. Most are also quite worn - makes you wonder if all were discovered at the same time. Also #4 - what is that weird spot at four O'clock on the obverse?
