Elagabalus (218-222 AD) ~ BI Tetradrachm ~ NGC Extra Fine

SYRIA. Antioch. Elagabalus (AD 218-222). BI tetradrachm (25mm, 13.14 gm, 6h). NGC XF 4/5 - 4/5. Unknown engravers, dotted wings series, AD 219. AYT K M A•••ANTWNEINOC-CEB, laureate head of Elagabalus right/ ΔHMAPX EΞ YΠATOC TO B, eagle standing facing, head and tail left, wreath in beak, wings spread; Δ-E across upper fields, star between legs. Prieur 261. From the "For My Daughters" Collection

NGC CERT #: 2412831-020

NGC DESCRIPTION: Elagabalus, AD 218-222 SYRIA, ANTIOCH BI Tetradrachm,  rv eagle w/wreath, star

NGC GRADE: Extra Fine, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5.

ABOUT THE COIN:

The tetradrachm was a large silver coin that originated in Ancient Greece.  It was nominally equivalent to four drachmae.  Over time the tetradrachm became effectively the standard coin of the Antiquity, spreading well beyond the borders of the Greek World.  Because of their large size, tetradrachms were often used by various states or rulers to advertise themselves or to deliver political messages. Due to their often high artistic level tetradrachms are eagerly collected in modern times, and well-preserved or rare specimens can reach considerable prices.

Elagabalus, also called Heliogabalus and officially known as Antoninus, was Roman emperor from 218 to 222, while he was still a teenager.  His short reign was conspicuous for sex scandals and religious controversy.  Amidst growing opposition, at just 18 years of age he was assassinated and replaced by his cousin Severus Alexander in March 222.  The assassination plot against Elagabalus was devised by Julia Maesa, his grandmother, and carried out by disaffected members of the Praetorian Guard.

ABOUT NGC:

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