Ancient Coin
Updated August 16, 2026
| Lot number | 187 |
| Category | Coins & Currency |
| Auction | Rarity/Noble 2609 |
| Date | August 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM CDT |
| Auction house | Rarity/Noble Auctions |
| Location | Baraboo, Wisconsin |
Silver denarius from the Roman Empire, featuring the distinct right-facing profile portrait of the infamous teenage emperor Elagabalus, who ruled from AD 218 to 222.Key Numismatic DetailsThe Inscription (Obverse Legend): Around the perimeter of the coin, the visible Latin lettering reads IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG. This translates to "Imperator Antoninus Pius Augustus" (Supreme Commander Antoninus, the Pious Emperor). Elagabalus took the dynastic name "Antoninus" to legitimize his claim as an heir to Caracalla.The "Horn" Feature: Looking closely above his forehead, projecting straight forward near the top of his laurel wreath, you can spot a small, horn-like object. This unique "horned portrait" is one of the most distinctive markers in Roman coinage and only appears on select later issues of Elagabalus (struck around AD 221-222).Religious Significance: Before becoming emperor at age 14, Elagabalus served as the chief high priest of the Syrian sun god El-Gabal in Emesa. Scholars widely believe this "horn" represents a symbol of supreme divine or priestly authority, with some numismatic theories suggesting it portrays a dried bull's penis meant to signify religious fertility and power.
