House of Emirates® is thrilled to offer its elite clientele this extraordinary silver denarius of the Roman Emperor Elagabalus, struck in Rome between AD 218–222—a coin born in an age of spectacle, contradiction, and imperial intensity.
Weighing 2.64 grams and measuring 20.3mm, this historic denarius bears the legend IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, presenting a laureate and draped bust of Elagabalus facing right. The portrait is unapologetically human—youthful yet authoritative—capturing an emperor whose short reign shook Rome’s religious, political, and social foundations.
The reverse is a masterstroke of irony and imperial messaging. Inscribed PAX AVGVSTI, it depicts Pax herself, draped and walking left, holding an olive branch and sceptre—symbols of harmony, stability, and divine order.
Struck during one of the most controversial reigns in Roman history, this serene image of peace stands in dramatic contrast to Elagabalus’ turbulent rule, making the coin not just a monetary instrument but a political statement frozen in silver. Catalogued as RIC 125, this denarius is a textbook example of how Roman coinage was used to project ideals rather than realities.
For the discerning investor, this is more than an ancient coin—it is a tangible fragment of imperial propaganda, philosophy, and power. Coins of Elagabalus are especially sought after due to their historical tension and limited reign, making this piece a compelling acquisition for those who value rarity, narrative depth, and cultural resonance. This denarius does not merely survive history—it challenges it, whispers its contradictions, and rewards those who understand that true value often lies where chaos and beauty collide.
