Description
The obverse depicts Elagabalus, born Sextus Varius Avitus Bassius, a controversial and absent emperor. Elagabalus forced Rome to worship the Syrian sun deity, Elagabal, in place of Jupiter; arranged a marriage to a prominent enemy of Rome, Urania; and crossdressed to seduce men in Rome. Unsuited to rule the imperial throne, he was beheaded by the Praetorian Guard after a four year reign.
The reverse depicts Roma, goddess of Rome, holding Victory and a scepter, symbolizing civilization and all humanity’s advancements. Hidden within the simplicity of the traditional coin is the complex character of Elagabalus.