Æ28 - Elagabalus TVRIORVM
| Émetteur | Tyre |
|---|---|
| Année | 218-222 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | |
| Devise | |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Poids | 12.42 g |
| Diamètre | 28 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | BMC Greek#404, BMC Greek#405 |
| Description de l’avers | Bust of Elagabalus right, laureate, cuirassed, wearing paludamentum. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
IMP CAES M AV ANTONINVS AVG (Translation: The emperor caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus august) |
| Description du revers | Temple of Astarte with six columns, arch in the middle; base with steps; within, Astarte between a trophy on left and Nike on right crowning her; in front of the temple, on right Marsyas, on left an altar between murex on left and palm tree on right. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers |
TVRIORVM (Translation: Tyre) |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (218-222) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1477442760 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
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Historical Context: This Æ28 of Elagabalus from Tyre was struck between 218 and 222 AD, encompassing his entire controversial reign. A Syrian by birth, Elagabalus heavily promoted the cult of Sol Invictus, often identifying himself with the deity. Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city, maintained strategic importance and economic vitality under Roman rule. It served as a significant minting center for provincial coinage, reflecting imperial authority while incorporating local iconography, placing Tyre within the Roman imperial system during a period of religious and political upheaval.
Artistry: While no specific engraver is attributed, this coin exemplifies stylistic trends of Roman provincial mints in the East during the early 3rd century AD. The obverse typically features a laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus, rendered with a distinctive provincial interpretation of imperial portraiture. The style often balances Roman imperial conventions with local artistic sensibilities. Though the reverse motif is not specified, provincial bronzes from Tyre frequently depicted local deities, city symbols, or architectural features, executed with varying refinement.
Technical/Grading: This bronze coin, weighing 12.42 grams and measuring 28 millimeters, is typical for an Æ28 denomination. High-points for wear on the obverse include the emperor's hair, nose, and laurel wreath details. Provincial bronzes often exhibit characteristic technical qualities such as irregular flans, variable strike centering, and occasional die wear. A well-struck example would show sharp detail on the portrait and any reverse motifs, with minimal weakness or off-centering, evaluated against typical production standards for the Tyre mint.