Elagabalus

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One of the very first large roman coins that I cleaned was of Elagabalus. I especially liked how well the coin had survived over 1700 years. The eagle on the reverse reminded me greatly of the eagle on American quarters. Elagabalus ruled from age 14 to age 18. He was one of the least prepared Emperors in Roman history when his grandmother and mother schemed to pull him out of priesthood and made him Emperor. Many feel that he was one of the worst Emperors ever. In March of 222 AD, both Elagabalus and his mother Julia Soaemias were murdered, dragged through the streets of Rome and thrown in the river Tiber. His life, from priesthood, to Emperor, to being tossed into the Tiber has greatly interested me and his coins have become the main focus of my collection.

This is also helped by the fact that the coins of Elagabalus are not as expensive as some of the better known Emperors such as Nero, Caligula or Augustus. There are many fakes of coins in circulation that are difficult to detect, but as Elagabalus isn't as popular of a collector's item, there are fewer fakes comparatively. Almost all of my collection of coins I have received as uncleaned coins and have cleaned myself. However with Elagabalus, I have purchased some from other collectors. As of note, I keep all of my coins either in a safety deposit box, or in a fire proof safe with a desiccant inside to help protect my collection from bronze disease. My Fake and Fraud info page has some very good information for anybody who is interested in collecting coins.

VARIVS AVITVS BASSIANVS, born in late 204 or early 205 to Julia Soaemias and Sextus Varius Marcellus, entered the service of the Emesan sun-god, Elagabal, hence his nickname Elagabalus. His maternal grand-aunt was Julia Domna, Caracalla's mother. When Macrinus became Augustus in 217, Soaemias and her mother Julia Maesa rumored that Elagabalus was the illegitimate son of Caracalla. The soldiers revolted, making him Augustus on May 16, 218. However, his reign was one of the most depraved in Roman history, and he and Soaemias were killed by disgusted Praetorians on March 6, 222. The previous was copied from Moneta, a great program for research and cataloging coins which can be found at numus.com.

Above are the front and back of a woodcut (wikipedia) printed leaf from the 1550 AD edition of "Cosmographia Universalis" (2nd Book; On Italy) by Sebastian Münster (wikipedia). Printed in Basle, by Heinrich Petri, 1550. Text in German. The description of Elagabalus starts on the bottom half left and is continued on the first part of the right. Woodcut translation page. Thank you to Dietger Reinhold and Christiane Reinhold for the translation.

Wikipedia has a lot of information on Elagabalus as well. Many of the stories of him (not all) from his time are now assumed to be quite biased, exagerated or false. "After his death, Elagabalus' religious edicts were reversed... and a policy of damnatio memoriae — condemning a person by erasing him or her from recorded existence — was instituted." from Wikipedia. The Numiswiki page has information on him from the Dictionary of Roman Coins, printed in 1889.

Many of the coins that I have of Elagabalus are Roman Provincial coins, also known as Greek Imperial coins. These were minted in areas that weren't in the Roman Empire proper, generally by client kingdoms firmly under the Roman influence. Some were minted in extremely small cities, others in the great metropoleis of the day.

Most of the Roman Provincial coins used Greek letters in some parts of the legend. Moneta from numus.com has a font that allows me to type the legends using both Greek and Latin letters, however this web page doesn't support embedded fonts. If you download and install the Numus Moneta font (subject to their limitations found on their page) you can see the Greek letters properly. I definitely suggest downloading the font. If you are a collector, I strongly suggest purchasing the software itself. After the legend using that font, I will place duplicate legend using the following common substitutions: large L is a lambda, small w is an omega, small p for pi, small e for epsilon, small d for delta, small g for gamma, small f for phi, small x for xi. A great page that shows what the letters look like on actual coins is at snible. In different reference books Y and V are used interchangeably in the legends. I will go back through my legends and standardize when I catch up. Sometimes two letters will be combined together into a single glyph. This is called a ligature (wikipedia). The most common ligature found on the coins of Elagabalus is a Y or V over an O. As neither the Latin alphabet, nor the Moneta font can properly display this ligature, I have used the same symbol as Varbanov and others, an 8 to distinguish that legend from the ones that are in the form of OV.

One of the best earliest references on coins of Elagabalus from the provincial cities of the Balkan peninsula, especially Markianopolis is by Nikola Moushmov. It is arranged by region and city first, and then by ruler. The main issue with this reference, is that it only lists the coins by the reverse type and pays no attention to obverses or legends at all. David R Sear's Greek Imperial Coins is a much broader reference covering most rulers and provinces and therefore only lists one example per ruler and city combination most of the time. All coins on this page are a variety of Sear-GIC3038. A new great reference that just came out in English recently is by Ivan Varbanov. It is Greek Imperial Coins vol 1 Dacia, Moesia Superior, Moesia Inferior. It also lists rarity, which will be the numbers after the reference, i.e. (R3). Varbanov is organized first by reverse legend, then by obverse legend and style. I have a new book that I really like the layout. It is by Zhekov/Jekov and is written in Bulgarian. I don't read or speak Bulgarian, but it has an additional intro in English explaining the conventions which helps quite a bit. Eurodict.com is a site that allows Bulgarian to English translation and even has a pop up keyboard to enter the Bulgarian letters. The first # in the numbering system is for the city and Marcianopolis is 6. The second # is for ruler and Elagabalus is 26, Elagabalus and his mother are 27 and Elagabalus and his grandmother are 28. The third # is for obverse type. For example Zeus is 1 and Hera is 3. The fourth # is for the specific example coin listed in the book for the previous three stipulations. A great reference for this area is Die antiken Münzen Nord-Griechenlands, Bd. I: Dacien und Moesien (by Pick and Regling). Berlin, 1898. It is written in German and I am working hard to translate enough to read the coin descriptions. My references references and my rarity page and my die axis page.

The rest of this particular page is devoted to the coins of Elagabalus from Markianopolis (Marcianopolis) which was in the province Moesia Inferior (Moesia from wikipedia). My page on Moesia Inferior shows information about the different coin issuing cities in that region. Markianopolis was founded by Emperor Trajan (AD 98-117) and named after his sister Marciana. It issued coins from the reign of Commodus (AD 180-192) through about AD 248 after it successfully repelled an attack by the Goths. In AD 447 it was attacked by Attila the Hun. Its ruins are in a village called Devnia (Reka Devniya or Reka Devnia) 43° 20' N, 27° 36' E (google satellite map). It is close to the current town of Burgas (google satellite map) in Bulgaria. It was 18 miles inland from the Black Sea, north of European Turkey. My page with extra notes on the city and coins of some of the other emperors from Markianopolis. Below is a cropped portion of the public domain map found here. Markianopolis (Marcianopolis) can be found a little to the right of the center of the map under the first R in INFERIOR. Click to view it larger.

I have put together a guide to the reverse types of Elagabalus from Markianopolis (Marcianopolis) using links to sites on the web and my own coins. I also have a guide to the Gods and Goddesses on the coins of Markianopolis during the time of Elagabalus. There is more information about denominations on the Moesia Inferior page. In Markianopolis, the coins that were under 20 were worth 1 assarion (singluar) or 2 assaria (plural). From research, it appears that the coins under 20mm with items or a deity's symbol on it, such as the staff with a serpent of Aesklepios or Asclepius, the Greek God of Healing, or the club of Hercules (Herakles) were worth 1 assarion and the coins that had the deity or person, such as Hera or Demeter (Ceres) were 2 assaria. The coins that feature both Elagabalus and either his mother Julia Soaemis or his grandmother Julia Maesa seem to be 5 assaria and are usually marked with an E (epsilon, the fifth letter in Greek). These coins are also known as pentaassarions and were normally 27-29mm in Markianopolis. According to Zhekov/Jekov's book, there were no marks of value on the Marcianopolis coins of one, two and four assarionses. "Occasionally emissions with the denomination of three assarionses (marked with gamma as a mark of value), 21-23 mm in size and weight of 6-7g, were being set out into circulation." Three of my coins of Elagabalus are in the 21-23 mm range, however it is not (as far as can be told) marked with a gamma, however it can be assumed to be of that denomination both from the size as well as the fact that they have centering dimples. Centering dimples are the small round dimples that are usually on the coins valued 3, 4 and 5 assaria, which were made of brass than copper. There is much discussion as to the reasons behind the dimples (a)(b)(c)(d). I have an example of Diadumenian from Markianopolis marked with a gamma that was worth 3 assaria. On the coins larger than 23mm, most have the name of the Roman Legate or Governor marked. A Legate was a Roman senator of consular rank (they had been consuls in Rome), sent to govern Moesia Inferior and command its two legions for as long as the emperor desired, usually for a couple of years. There were only two Roman Legates or Governors of Markianopolis during Elagabalus' rule, Julius Antonius Seleucus and Sergius Titianus. According to Zhekov/Jekov's book, Julius Antonius Seleucus was AD 218-222 while Sergius Titianus was in AD 222 only. If present, their name would be before the town name of mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) (See section on Greek Letters above) on the reverse. In the Governors of Moesia by Selatie Edgar Stout (link) "This governor is known only from the coins of Marcianopolis, Pick p. 162, points out that the face of Elagabalus is unbearded on the coins of Seleucus but usually bearded on those of Titianus, and infers from this that the administration of Seleucus is earlier than that of Titianus." I can not find any more information about them yet, except for their names. There was a Selecus who was a usurper during Elagabalus' rule, possibly in 221 AD, but it is not known if was the same Seleucus. A good page to determine the Roman Legates from Moesia Inferior is by Akropolis Ancient Coins I have a page on the coins minted under Seleucus as well as one by Titianus.

Note: I have tried very hard to verify everything on this website, especially the information having to do with the coins of Elagabalus, including references and would like for them to be both complete and correct. However, it is still a learning process for me. As I get new reference materials and as I review the coins, I have found that I've had to update my pages many times. Provincial coins can be quite challenging, which is part of what draws them to me, however there isn't a complete and authoritative reference for them. If you see any issues with the coins that I have posted, whether to their authenticity or to any other information I have on the site, please contact me. You can do so either through the Yahoo! Groups or through my gmail email address which can be found via the url of my pages. I don't post it directly due to spammers. Thank you to anybody and everybody who have helped me along the way.

Wives:

Elagabalus was married to at least three wives at different times. Provincial Coin of Julia Paula, Elagabalus' first wife. Coin can be found on my Wives, Sons, Brothers and Mothers site. (The following is from wikipedia) In 219, Julia Maesa (eldest sister of Roman Empress Julia Domna), had arranged for Julia Cornelia Paula to marry her grandson, Rome’s new emperor Elagabalus. Their wedding ceremony was a lavish ceremony that occurred in Rome. Paula became a Roman empress, as Elagabalus’ first wife and was given the honorific title of Augusta.

In early 220, Elagabalus ended his marriage to Paula. They had no children. Elagabalus divorced Paula to marry the Vestal Virgin Julia Aquilia Severa. His marriage to Severa was considered as scandalous because she was still a Vestal. Apart from falling in love with Severa, Elagabalus married Severa as apart of the religious process of worshipping the Syrian Sun God El-Gabal and integrating El-Gabal into Roman religion.

After the divorce, Elagabalus removed Paula's Augusta title. She withdrew from public life and her fate afterwards is unknown.

Both these marriages were revoked shortly afterwards, however. This was possibly on the urging of Julia Maesa, the grandmother who had engineered Elagabalus' rise to the imperial throne. Elagabalus then married Annia Faustina, a more generally acceptable choice. Within a short time, however, Elagabalus had divorced Faustina and returned to living with Severa, claiming that the original divorce was invalid. It is believed that Severa remained with Elagabalus until his assassination in 222. The two are not believed to have had any children.

Coins worth 4 assaria (tetraassarions):

This was my first coin of Elagabalus. I hand cleaned the coin. It was made in Markianopolis (Marcianopolis).

Obverse: Ayt k m ayphLi antVneinoc (please see above comments on Greek letters) (AYT K M AYPHLI ANTwEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: yP I8L ant ceLeykov mapkianoPo LitVn (Yp I8L ANT CELEY KOV MAPKIANOpO LITwN) Eagle standing wings spread, head right with a wreath in its mouth. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The Diameter is 25mm and is 8.63g, die axis 20 deg. Reference: Moushmov-646v, Varbanov 1517v (R4 for 1517) v for different obverse legend, Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.1.7 (R3), AMNG I page 262 no 873, not in BMC III (Thrace).

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLioc antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLIOC ANTwNEINOC) with laureate bust right. Reverse: yP I8L ant ceLeyk...mapkianoPoLi tVn (Yp I8L ANT CELEYK... MAPKIANOpOLI TwN) Eagle standing wings spread, head left with a wreath in its mouth. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 27mm and is 8.38g, die axis 30 deg. Reference: Moush-646, Varbanov 1488v/1515v/1516v v for none of the obverse legends matching, number dependent on if second reverse OV is a ligature or not. Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.1.4-7v v for none having obverse legend as well as that the eagles with heads in the right direction have the wrong style of obverse bust. AMNG I page 262 no 872, Not in BMC III (Thrace).

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLioc antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLIOC ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse:yP I8L ant ceLeykov mapkianoPoLitV (Yp I8L ANT CELEYKOV MAPKIANOpOLITw) Hera (Juno) standing with phiale and scepter. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 27mm and is 8.66g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Moush-656. Varbanov 1519v. v as reverse legend is missing the last N and different obverse legend., Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.3.5 (R3), BMC III (Thrace) 44v v for different obverse legend. Similar to 46, however I feel that the ending and the style of the reverse legend outweighs 44 only having AVP on the obverse, AMNG I page 253 nos 813-818, 817 closest, however 817 is Bust laureate, cuirassed, draped right.

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLioc antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLIOC ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: yP cepG titianoy mapkianoPoLitVn. (Yp CEPg TITIANOY MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Athena standing left holding spear and shield. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Sergius Titianus in probably 222AD. The diameter is 26.5mm and is 7.35g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-615, Varbanov 1447 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.4.2 (R3), AMNG I page 263 no 882v, v as 882 lists as Bust laureate, cuirassed, draped right.

Obverse:Avt k m avph ant Vneinoc (AVT K M AVPH ANT wNEINOC) with laureate draped and cuirassed, bust right. Obverse split in odd location. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceLeykoy mapkianoPoLei t Vn (Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOY MAPKIANOpOLEI T wN) Homonoia or Harmonia (Concordia) standing facing, head right, holding phiale left over lighted altar and cornucopia. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 27mm and is 10.73g, die axis 0 deg. Reference Moush-632 (assumed variety), Reverse die AMNG I 847 (SNG Fitzwilliam IV, pl. XXVIII, 1551), Reverse die Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.36.3&4. Rare coin on both sides, possibly extremely rare with the obverse split. (see Patera versus Phiale page)

Notes: Very odd split on the obverse legend with the ANT to the left of Elagabalus' bust. I have not found another example of this in any reference or on any other website. After a year and a half of watching sales, I found another coin with a split in the same place, appearing to be an obverse die match, with a reverse with Nemesis (First Nemesis coin listed below). Odd reverse legend with EIT being in the spelling of Markianopolis rather than just IT. AMNG I lists only 2 types under Seleucus that spell Markianopolis this way, 847 for Nemesis and 858 for Homonoia. Varbanov lists only 2 types under Seleucus with EIT and only 7 types without the Legate on the reverse with LEIT. Varbanov misreferences his 1476 to AMNG I 846 rather than AMNG I 847. Glancing through the previous section from Markianopolis, the coins of Macrinus and/or Diadumenian show that spelling probably greater than half of the time for Markianopolis. Interestingly the coins of Macrinus and Diadumenian which show Homonoia with a patera over a lighted alter all are listed with her facing, head left just like most examples of Elagabalus. The closest example that Varbanov lists for Elagabalus of the reverse is 1475, facing, head left. However, clearly, the head is right on this example. AMNG I 858 which he references lists Homonoia's head looking right. Varbanov also references Moushmov 632, which doesn't list which way Homonoia is looking. He also references Antike numismatik, Liste 41 / 2003, Moesia - Dacia, Hannover (A151, 293). Curtis Clay looked this up and the dealer is Blancon in Hannover and 2 were described as per that reverse, 310&311. 311was described as head, laureate only but 310 was described as this coin on the obverse. 310 did not describe the obverse split in the legend. (As the dealer that I had received this coin from had received it from Spink, it is possible that Spink had received this from Blancon in Hannover.) A die match reverse in Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.36.3&4 incorrectly lists with IT, but clearly displays EIT. I'm still looking at the Bulgarian to see if it says head left or right, but shows head right. The obverse however show a more standard split in the obverse legend. According to their reference, they are basing the coin after AMNG I, 858, which does have the correct reverse legend listed. 858 also does state Homonia is looking right, but it states that she is standing left, which on this coin it appears that she is standing facing. It shows the split in the obverse text between the AVPH and the ANT at the standard place rather than after the ANT as this coin shows. Searching through wildwinds for this spelling of Markianopolis, there is examples of Macrinus and/or Diadumenian, and one each for Caracalla, Elagabalus, and Severus Alexander. Looking at the examples of Elagabalus and Severus Alexander, the legends were incorrect. The example for Caracalla had the legend rubbed a bit, however looking through Varbanov there are several example, but a very small percentage. This alternate spelling for Markianopolis started at some point during Caracalla's reign, was moderately used during Macrinus' reign and died out at some point in Elagabalus' reign.

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLioc antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLIOC ANTwEINOC) with laureate draped and cuirassed, bust right. Reverse: yP I8L ant ceLeykov mapkianoPoLitVn (Yp I8L ANT CELEYKOV MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Homonoia or Harmonia (Concordia) standing left, holding patera & cornucopiae. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 25.6mm and is 11.09g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moush-633. Varbanov 1530v v for different obverse legend, Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.36.6 (R2), BMC III (Thrace) 48v v for different obverse legend as this example has the first OV with the V over the O, AMNG I pages 259 nos 850-857, 852 closest however 852 lists as laureate head right.

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLioc antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLIOC ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceL eykoy mapkiano PoLitVn (Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOY MAPKIANO pOLITwN) Homonoia or Harmonia (Concordia) standing left, holding patera & cornucopia. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 25mm and is 7.21g, die axis 165 deg. Reference: Moush-633. Varbanov 1574v. v as 1574 obverse pictures a laureate head right. Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.36.5v as this has laureate head right, BMC III (Thrace) 47v v for different obverse and reverse legends, AMNG I pages 259-260 nos 850-859, no close matches.

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLi antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLI ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: yP cepG titian8 mapkianoPoLit Vn (Yp CEPg TITIAN8 MAPKIANOpOLIT wN) Homonoia or Harmonia (Concordia) standing left, holding patera and cornucopia with a kalathos (a basket made of reeds). It was minted under Legate (Governor) Sergius Titianus in probably 222AD. The diameter is 27mm and is 9.67g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Moush-633. Varbanov 1437v. v for different obverse legend. Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.36.2 (R2), BMC III (Thrace) 52v v for different obverse and reverse legends, AMNG I page 266 no 901v v for different obverse legend and that 901 lists as Bust laureate, cuirassed, draped right.

Obverse:Avt k m avph antVneinoc (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: yP cepG titianoy mapkianoPoLit Vn. (Yp CEPg TITIANOY MAPKIANOpOLIT wN) Homonoia or Harmonia (Concordia) standing left, holding patera and cornucopia. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Sergius Titianus in probably 222AD. The diameter is 25mm and is 9.84g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moush-633. Varbanov 1460 (R2). Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.36.1 (R2), AMGI 899, BMC III (Thrace) 47v v for different obverse and reverse legends. AMNG I page 266 no 899v v as 899 lists with kalathos.

Obverse:Avt k m avphLi antVneinoc (AVT K M AVPHLI ANTwNEINOC) with laureate draped and cuirassed, bust right. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceL eykoy mapkianoPoLeitVn (Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOY MAPKIANOpOLEITwN) Homonoia or Harmonia (Concordia) standing left, holding patera and cornucopia. The diameter is 27mm and is 10.23g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moush-633. Probably Varbanov 1573 (R3). Probable Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.36.9 (R2). BMC III (Thrace) 47v v for different reverse legend, AMNG I pages 259-260 nos 850-859, no close matches due to reverse legend. Note: The obverse die is very similar, if not identical to Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.36.9 and Varbanov 1573, even to the spot in front of the ANT where it looks like the engraver changed his mind about placing an OC. The reverse die is extremely similar as well, including the blob-like area where the hand holding the cornucopia would be. I am basing the reverse legend on this evidence, though of course as the letters are obscured, I could be incorrect. Varbanov lists this coin with IT at the ending of the reverse rather than EIT, however the picture correctly shows that the spelling is EIT. He references a private collection for this coin. Zhekov/Jekov's example is also listed as IT, however the picture correctly shows the EIT. The rarity for this type might be off therefore in both references. As per mentioned earlier on this page this alternate spelling for Markianopolis started at some point Caracalla's reign, was moderately used during Macrinus' reign and died out at some point in Elagabalus' reign. The last omega and N are shown as ligature.

Obverse:Avt k m avph ant Vneinoc (AVT K M AVPH ANT wNEINOC) with laureate draped and cuirassed, bust right. Obverse split in odd location. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceLeykoy mapkianoPoLei t Vn (Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOY MAPKIANOpOLEI T wN) Nemesis standing left with scales and and an arshin (a measuring rod)(most likely, as I don't think that it is a cornucopiae), wheel at feet. An arshin was measuring unit equal to about 71cm or 28 inches. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 26.3mm and is 10.02g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moush-643, Reverse die seems as Varbanov 1476, different obverse, Zhekov/Jekov similar reverse to 6.26.35.5, but having different obverse and reverse legends. Like the first coin of Homonoia or Harmonia (Concordia) above, it has an extremely odd obverse split on the legend and has the additional E in the reverse legend. More information about the legends can be found above. I believe that they are an obverse die match.

Obverse: Ayt k m ayphL antVneinoc avG(AYT K M AYPHL ANTwNEINOC AVg) With laureate draped and armored scales, bust right. The avG (AVg) is a ligature. Reverse: yP I8L ant ceLeyk8 mapkianoPoLitVn (Yp I8L ANT CELEYK8 MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Nemesis standing left with scales and an arshin (a measuring rod). An arshin was measuring unit equal to about 71cm or 28 inches. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 27mm and is 10.84g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moushmov 643v v for not having wheel, Varbanov-1499 (R3). not found in Zhekov/Jekov, AMNG I page 258 no 841v v for no wheel on portrait. Note: German text distinguishes the additional armor showing as "Schuppenpanzer" versus "Panzer" which translates to cuirassed. This style of bust is rarer than the other styles. Varbanov doesn't distinguish between the cuirassed and armor scaled. Zhekov/Jekov doesn't show a bust in armored scales with a reverse of Nemesis and doesn't show a tetraassarion of Nemesis issued under Seleucus without a wheel.

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLioc antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLIOC ANTwNEINOC) With laureate draped and cuirassed, bust right. Reverse: yP ioyLant.ceL evkov mapkianoPo LitVn (Yp IOYLANT.CEL EVKOV MAPKIANOpO LITwN) Nemesis standing left with scales and cornucopiae, wheel at feet. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 28mm and is 10.27g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-644. Varbanov-1585 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.35.1-5,9v There is not a matching version.

Obverse: Ayt k m ayphLioc antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLIOC ANTwNEINOC) With laureate draped and cuirassed, bust right. Reverse: yP oyLant ceLe ykoy mapkianoPoLitVn (Yp OYLANT CELE YKOY MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Nemesis standing left with scales and cornucopiae, wheel at feet. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. Legend verified in Jenek. Odd placement of Governor's name. The diameter is 25.3mm and is 8.31g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-644. Varbanov-1585v v for different reverse legend, Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.35.9 (R2), H.M.-640

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphL antVneinoc aG (AYT K M AYPHL ANTwEINOC Ag) With laureate head right. Reverse: yP cepG titianoy mapkianoPoLitVn (Yp CEPg TITIANOY MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Hygieia (Salus) standing right, feeding serpent from patera. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Sergius Titianus in probably 222AD. The diameter is 27mm and is 10.16g, die axis 25 deg. There might be an I after the lambda. Reference: Moush-659. Varbanov-1466 (R3). Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.21.3 (R3), H.M.-659

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLi antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLI ANTwNEINOC) with laureate draped and cuirassed, bust right. Reverse: yP I8L ant ceLeykov mapkianoPoLitVn(Yp I8L ANT CELEYKOV MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Hygieia (Salus) standing right, feeding serpent from patera. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 26mm and is 8.71g, die axis 45 deg. Reference: Moush-659. Varbanov-1535v v for different obverse legend. not found in Zhekov/Jekov, see 6.26.21.1-2

Obverse:Ayt k m ayph antVneinoc aG (AYT K M AYPH ANTwNEINOC Ag) with laureate head right. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceLeykoy mapkianoPoLitVn(Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOY MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Euthenia (Abundantia or Annona) standing, holding corn-ears and cornucopiae. Euthenia was the spirit of prosperity, abundance and plenty. She was one of the four younger graces. Euthenia is depicted rather than Demeter as Demeter's usual attribute along with corn-ears were normally either a torch or scepter. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 27mm and is 11.30g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moush-621. Varbanov-1568v v for different obverse legend, AMNG vol. I, page 260, no. 860 (7 specimen listed) (my page on Euthenia)

Obverse: Ayt k m ayphLioc antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLIOC ANTwNEINOC) With laureate draped and cuirassed, bust right. Reverse: yP oyLant ceLe ykoy mapkianoPoLi tVn (Yp OYLANT CELE YKOY MAPKIANOpOLI TwN) Goddess with corn-ears or branch raised, holding cornucopia. The diameter is 27mm and is 8.85g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Varbanov 1567 (R3), listed as Eumenea. AMNG I pg 260, 861 listed as goddess with corn-ears or branch raised to the top. Pick refers to the goddess as standing as before and the previous listing listed a cornucopia, though this listing doesn't explicitly list one. Varbanov doesn't list the cornucopia, but often gets the descriptions from Pick, Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.5.1 (R4) possible die match, by Zhekov/Jekov's code, listing as Demeter (Ceres), though it is listed separate before all of the others. Moush-627/8 627 is woman with long article of clothing, holding corn-ears and cornucopia while 628 is woman standing, holding corn-ears and branch. (my page on Euthenia)

Obverse: Ayt k m ayphLi antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLI ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceLeykoy mapkianoPoLitVn (Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOY MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Aesklepios or Asclepius, Greek God of Healing, standing holding serpent entwined staff. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 26mm and is 7.92g, die axis 25 deg. Reference: Moush-613. Varbanov-1559v v for different obverse legend. Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.20.2v v for different obverse legend, BMC III (Thrace) 43v v for different obverse and reverse legends.

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLi antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLI ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: yP I8L ant ceLeykov mapkianoPoLitVn(Yp I8L ANT CELEYKOV MAPKIANOpOLITwN). The A and P on the reverse legend are shown as ligature (wikipedia). Hermes (Mercury) standing left holding purse and caduceus. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 27mm and is 8.88g, die axis 190 deg. Reference: Moush-657. Varbanov-1491 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.10.1 (R3), H.M.-657

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLioc antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLIOC ANTwNEINOC) with laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Reverse:yP IoyL ant ceLeykov mapkianoPoLitVn (Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOV MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Tyche (Fortuna) standing left holding rudder and cornucopia. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 26mm and is 10.22g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Moush-654, Varbanov-1594 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.38.2v v for different obverse legend.

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLi antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLI ANTwNEINOC) with laureate bust right. Reverse: yP I8L ant ceLeyk8 mapkianoPoLitVn (Yp I8L ANT CELEYK8 MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 25.5mm and is 7.14g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moush-617, Varbanov 1501 (R4), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.9.3v v for different obverse legend

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLi antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHLI ANTwNEINOC) with laureate bust right. Reverse: yP iovL ant ceLeykov mapkianoPoLitVn (Yp IOVL ANT CELEYKOV MAPKIANOpOLITwN) River God reclining left, holding reed and resting on rock from which water flows. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 27mm and is 9.03g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-651v, Varbanov 1588 (R5). Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.32.1 (R5)

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphL antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHL ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: yP cepG titian8 mapkianoPoL itVn (Yp CEPg TITIAN8 MAPKIANOpOL ITwN) Demeter (Ceres) standing left, holding corn-ears and resting on long torch (of reeds bound together). It was minted under Legate (Governor) Sergius Titianus in probably 222AD. The diameter is 26mm and is 9.91g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Moush-622(veiled?), Not found in Varbanov nor Zhekov/Jekov nor BMC III-Thrace for this Legate. (my page on Demeter)

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphL antVneinoc (AYT K M AYPHL ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: yP iovLio ceLeykov mapkian oPoLit Vn (Yp IOVLIO CELEYKOV MAPKIAN OpOLIT wN) Legend in 6 lines with laurel wreath. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 26mm and is 8.24g, die axis 170 deg. Reference: Moush-645, Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.54.1 (R5), Varbanov 1577v, v for different reverse legends.

Coins worth 3 assaria (triassaria):

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVneinoc (AVT K M AV ANTwNEINOC) Laureate and cuirassed bust right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN). Homonoia standing left holding phiale and cornucopia wearing kalathos (a basket made of reeds). The diameter is 21mm and is 4.31g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush 633. The obverse die is the same or similar to Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.35.10 (Thank you Curtis Clay!). The first portion of the obverse legend was taken from that reference. Probably worth 3 assaria due to the size. When I asked on forumancientcoins if they felt that it was 3 assaria: "Not only the diameter but the presence of the centering dimples (which are used on brass rather than copper) suggest that it is the same denomination as the triassaria, such as the (gamma) marked ones of Marcianopolis (Pick 786-788, though those, varied as the weights are, are heavier). That denomination usually was for empresses and caesars. Pick 903-906 are the right diameter and weight, though, to be compared with yours. Pat L. (Slokind)" (Thanks Pat!) (see Patera versus Phiale page)

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVneinoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC) with laureate bust right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Dikaiosyne (Aequitas)standing left holding scales and cornucopia. The diameter is 21mm and is 4.29g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Moush-625, Varbanov 1398 (R3) (correct diameter, but not specifically noted as triassaria), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.35.10 (R3) (also, correct diameter, but not specifically noted as triassaria). Note: triassaria by same reasoning as above, size and dimple marks showing that it was brass rather than copper.

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVneinoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse:mapkianoPoLeitVn (MAPKIANOpOLEITwN) Hera (Juno) standing left holding phiale and sceptre. The diameter is 21mm and is 4.21g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Moush 656, Not in Varbanov 1402 v, v for reverse legend and not specifically noted as triassaria, Not in Zhekov/Jekov but similar to 6.26.3.10, v for reverse language and apparently not being a triasarria (picture also does not have the dimple). Note: Odd reverse legend with EIT being in the spelling of Markianopolis rather than just IT. AMNG I lists only 5 type with LEIT rather than IT without the Legate on the legend. Varbanov lists only 7 types. As per mentioned earlier on this page this alternate spelling for Markianopolis started at some point Caracalla's reign, was moderately used during Macrinus' reign and died out at some point in Elagabalus' reign. (see Patera versus Phiale page)

Coins worth 2 assaria:

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVninoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Hera (Juno) standing left holding phiale and sceptre. The diameter is 15.3mm and is 2.68g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-656, Varbanov 1403 (R3)

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVninoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Hera (Juno) standing left holding phiale and sceptre. The diameter is 16.3mm and is 2.50g, die axis 10 deg. Reference: Moush-656, Varbanov 1403 (R3)

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVninoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: mapkiano PoLitVn (MAPKIANO pOLITwN) Hygieia (Salus) standing right, feeding serpent from patera.. The diameter is 16.7mm and is 2.95g, die axis 10 deg. Reference: Moush-659, Varbanov 1401-1403 depending on obverse legend, all (R3), by size most probable Varbanov 1403 16mm Avt k m avp antVninoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC)

Obverse: Avt k m avp antVninoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC) OR Avt k m avp antVneinoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Telesphoros cloaked standing, facing. The diameter is 18mm and is 2.62g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush 652, Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.21.7-10, Varbanov 1421 (R4) if NEINOC and Varbanov 1422 (R3) if NINOC.

Obverse:Avt k m avph antVneinoc (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC) with laureate bust right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Demeter (Ceres) standing left, holding corn-ears and resting on long torch. The diameter is 17mm and is 3.00g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-622, Varbanov-1397 (R4), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.5.2v v for different obverse legend. (my page on Demeter)

Obverse: Avt ... noc (AVT ... NOC) with laureate bust right. Reverse: mapkiano.PoLitVn (MAPKIANO.pOLITwN) Priapus standing left, raising his dress with both hands to show his penis. The diameter is 17mm and is 2.43g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-647, Varbanov 1418 (R5), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.17.2 (R5), P.R. 908, H.M. 647

Obverse: ... antVneinoc (... ANTwNEINOC) with laureate bust right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Thanatos/Eros extinguishing torch. There is discussion as to whether this is Thanatos or Eros. Moushmov lists as Thanatos. The diameter is 17mm and is 1.54g, die axis 190 deg. Reference: Moush-619

Coins worth 1 assarion:

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVninoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Staff of Asklepios entwined by serpent. The diameter is 19mm and is 3.28g, die axis 195 deg. Reference: Moush-614, Varbanov 1419 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.20.4-6 (R3), BMC III (Thrace) 57v v for different reverse legend.

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVninoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLi tVn (MAPKIANOpOLI TwN) Lion walking left. The diameter is 19mm and is 2.62g, die axis 25 deg. Reference: Moush-639a. Varbanov-1414V v for different obverse legend. Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.53.2 (R3), P.R.-915, H.M.-639

Obverse:Avt k m av antVnEinoc (AVT K M AV ANTwNEINOC) With laureate bust right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitV n (MAPKIANOpOLITw N) Eagle standing forward, facing left with wreath in beak. The diameter is 17mm and is 1.94g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-646, Varbanov 1400 (R4) (doesn't mention wreath), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.1.8 (R4) (lists as NIN, but shows NEIN with the NE as ligature as per this con on picture.

Obverse:Avt k m av antVnEinoc (AVT K M AV ANTwNEINOC) with laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Garlanded altar. The diameter is 17.5mm and is 2.94g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-649. Varbanov-1379v v for different obverse legend. Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.47.7v v for different obverse legend

Obverse: Avt k m avp antVnEinoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC) with laureate bust right. Reverse:mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Bunch of grapes. The diameter is 17mm and is 2.85g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moush-620. Varbanov-1383 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.8.3 (R2), BMC III (Thrace) 55v v for different obverse legend.

Obverse: With laureate head right. Reverse:mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Tripod with serpent entwined round central leg. The diameter is 17mm and is 2.80g, die axis 190 deg. Reference: Varbanov-(1424-1427) (still cleaning) Moush-653, Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.47.1-5 (still cleaning)

Obverse:Avt k m avph antVneinoc (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse:mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Flaming altar. The diameter is 16mm and is 2.18g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Moush-650. Varbanov-1378 (R3). Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.47.8v v for different obverse legend, BMC III (Thrace) 56v v for different obverse legend.

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVninoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse:map kiano PoLei tVn (MAP KIANO pOLEI TwN) City legend in four lines in field. The diameter is 17mm and is 3.21g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: AMNG I pg. 271, 934, Moush-645v, v for not in laurel wreath and for not listing Legate (Governor). Varbanov-1372 (R4). Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.54.2 (R4). Note: Odd reverse legend with EIT being in the spelling of Markianopolis rather than just IT. AMNG I lists only 5 type with LEIT rather than IT without the Legate on the legend. Varbanov lists only 7 types. As per mentioned earlier on this page this alternate spelling for Markianopolis started at some point Caracalla's reign, was moderately used during Macrinus' reign and died out at some point in Elagabalus' reign. Varbanov misreferences his 1372 to AMNG I 933 rather than AMNG I 934 as it should be.

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVn... (AVT K M AVP ANTwN...) with laureate head right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Burning torch. The diameter is 18mm and is 3.25g, die axis 210 deg. AMNG I Vol 1 page 270, no. 930. Reference: Moush-655, Varbanov 1429 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.47.10 (R3), AMNG I page 270, no. 930, BMC III-Thrace 56. Note, AMNG I and BMC III references list as NEIN while Varbanov and Zhekov/Jekov list as NIN.

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVninoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Cresent with four stars. The diameter is 16mm and is 3.35g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moush-648, Varbanov 1394 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.48.3 (R2), AMNG I page 271, no. 932, Not in BMC III-Thrace

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVninoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Cresent with three stars. The diameter is 17mm and is 2.43g, die axis 270 deg. Reference: Moush-648A, Varbanov 1392 (R4), Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.48.1/2 (R2), Not in BMC III-Thrace, Not in AMNG I

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVninoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Tall basket with fruit. The diameter is 16mm and is 2.46g, die axis 210 deg. Reference:Varbanov 1381v v as it lists as laureate, draped and cuirassed, Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.52.2 (R3). Not in Moushmov.

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVneinoc (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC) with laureate head right. Reverse: mapkianoPoLitVn (MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Basket of Fruit. The diameter is 17mm and is 2.94g, die axis 45 deg. Reference: Zhekov/Jekov 6.26.52.1 (R3), Varbanov 1380 (R3), the omega and the N on the reverse are a ligature. Not in Moushmov.

Coins worth 5 assaria

Elagabalus with his grandmother Julia Maesa:

The following are they dynastic coins issues in Markianopolis. They are pentassarions (5 assaria) of Markianopolis. The E (epsilon, 5th character in the Greek language) in field was what designated this series as 5 Assaria. They show Elagabalus facing his grandmother Julia Maesa. At the end of this section, I have the 5 assaria coins of Elagabalus facing his mother Julia Soaemias. I have a guide to the reverse types of Elagabalus with Julia Maesa from Markianopolis using links to sites on the web and my own coins.

Obverse:Avt k m avph antVneinoc ioyLia maica avG (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC IOYLIA MAICA AVg)Unusual style of laureate bust of Elagabalus facingun-diademed & deeper draped bust of Julia Maesa with her hair down. Reverse: yP ioyL ant . ceL eykoy mapkianoPoLi tVn (Yp IOYL ANT . CEL EYKOY MAPKIANOpOLI TwN) Homonoia or Harmonia (Concordia) standing left, wearing kalathos (a basket made of reeds), holding patera over lighted altar & cornucopiae. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD, probably 218 AD. The diameter is 26.3mm and is 11.31g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-680 Moushmov just describes the reverse of coins so would not take into the difference in the obverse style. The coin that Moushmov saw for his 680 may or may not have been this coin, however as it details the reverse, it is a Moush-680. Varbanov 1684 was Varbanov's copy from Moushmov. 1684 is listed as AE27 (?) Rev. (?) Homonoia standing facing, head left, holding patera over lighted altar and cornucopia, E in field. (3,680). He did not list bust type, obverse or reverse legend as he did not see the coin Moushmov listed and Moushmov didn't list these things. Not found in Zhekov/Jekov. Not in BMC. Not in AMNG I. A very similar specimen can be found at aeqvitas.com however it is not further referenced. I found one more example of the obverse type, however with a different reverse type at coinarchives.com however the lot is no longer listed. There is also in Zhekov/Jekov and Varbanov a coin of Athena with the same obverse, however they did not distinguish the differences at all in their text. I had conjectured that as the coin did not show Elagabalus nor Julia Maesa with the normal portrait, nor did it show her diademed, that it might have been from some of the earliest dies. If you compare the portraits of Elagabalus and Julia Maesa to all the following coin examples, you can easily see the differences. The following is from Curtis Clay, posted on the forumancientcoins provincial Roman coins board in response to my questions:

"Yes, this must be the earliest portrait of Maesa at Marcianopolis, differing from the standard portrait in three regards: no stephane and hair covering back of neck as you point out, plus the bust is deeper, extending to below the empress' breasts.

This portrait is rare, and hasn't been properly appreciated the few times it has been published.

No such obverse was known to Pick in AMNG. I'm sure that given the chance Pick would have recognized its strangeness and postulated that it was Maesa's earliest obv. type at Marcianopolis!

Lanz 54, 1990, 774, published a spec. from a different obv. die than yours, rev. Athena standing l. holding owl and spear, shield at feet, but just called it "AMNG 936 var." without further comment. This coin was picked up by Varb. Bulg. 1300 = English 1664 and by Hristova/Zhekov/Jekov p. 154, third coin, but again without comment or explanation.

Lanz 117, 2003, 1006 is the specimen you found in CoinArchives, from the same obv. die as your coin, but rev. Serapis seated with Cerberus. Again the portrait is correctly described as being without stephane, but the different coiffure and deeper bust are overlooked and there is no comment on the significance of the variant; just "AMNG 939 var., very rare."

In total I have recorded about 15 specimens, from three obv. dies. I suspect this portrait may be contemporaneous with the coins of Elagabalus and Julia Soaemias at Marcianopolis, which are of a similar rarity: at first the mint struck for both Maesa with this unusual portrait and for Soaemias, but soon the stephane was added to Maesa's portrait and Soaemias was dropped from the coinage." Thank you Curtis for all of your help on this and other coins! This might be one of the rarest of my Elagabalus collection.

Obverse:Avt k m avph antVneinoc ioyLia maica avGovc (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC IOYLIA MAICA AVgOVC) laureate bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceLeykoy mapkianoPoLitVn (Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOY MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Homonoia or Harmonia (Concordia) standing left with kalathos (a basket made of reeds) on her head with patera & cornucopiae; E in left field. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 26.5mm and is 12.75g, die axis 195 deg. Reference: Moush 680v v for not having a buring altar. Varbanov 1629v v for different obverse legend and E in left field and with kalathos. Not found in Zhekov/Jekov. See Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.36.1-5, BMC III (Thrace) 62v v for different obverse and reverse legends.

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVneinoc avG ioyLia maica avG (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC AVg IOYLIA MAICA AVg) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse: vP i8L ant c¥L¥vk8 mapkianoPoLitVn (Vp I8L ANT CeLeVK8 MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Nike (Victory) resting on column, standing left, holding wreath and palm branch. The diameter is 28.5mm and is 12.36g, die axis 285 deg. Reference: Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.9.1 (R9) (added after the edition I own which was published in 2006), Not in Moushmov, not in AMNG I, not in BMC III-Thrace, CNGcoins 151, lot 143, possible die match (This was the one that was added by Zhekov/Jekov. Rare. I found one potential example at wildwinds.com on their Markianopolis page listed under AE28_nike (since removed). It does not have a reference and the ebay text does not list the same legends. There was another sold on ebay #120126514320 (item link no longer available) that might have the same legends. The CNGcoins example did not have a reference.

Obverse: Avt k m avp antVneinoc kai ioyLia maica (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC KAI IOYLIA MAICA) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse: vP cepG titianov mapkianoPoLitVn (Vp CEPg TITIANOV MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Tyche (Fortuna) standing left, holding rudder and cornucopiae. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Sergius Titianus in proabably 222AD. The diameter is 27.5mm and is 11.34g, die axis 180 deg. Reference: Moush-687, Varbanov 1613 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.38.1 (R7), not in BMC III-Thrace

Obverse:Avt k m avph antVneinoc avG ioyLia maica (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC AVg IOYLIA MAICA) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse: vP cepG titianov mapkianoPoLitVn (Vp CEPg TITIANOV MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Tyche (Fortuna) standing left, holding rudder and cornucopiae. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Sergius Titianus in proabably 222AD. The diameter is 27mm and is 11.74g, die axis 20 deg. Reference: Moush-687. Varbanov-1613v v for different obverse legend. Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.38.1v v for different obverse legend, not in BMC III-Thrace

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVneinoc avG ioyLia maica avG (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC AVg IOYLIA MAICA AVg) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceLeykoy mapkianoPoLi tVn (Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOY MAPKIANOpOLI TwN) Fivefold Coiled serpent with head up. E in exergue. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 28mm and is 11.53g, die axis 135 deg. This appears to be the only version of a coin from Elagabalus from Markianopolis which has the symbol for the value in the exergue other than one that has an inscription only. Reference: Moush-679, Varbanov-1678 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.38.1 (R6), BMC III (Thrace) 64.

Obverse:Ayt k m ayphLioc antVneinoc ioyLia maica (AYT K M AYPHLIOC ANTwNEINOC IOYLIA MAICA) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse:vP i8L ant c¥L¥vk8 mapkianoPoLitVn (Vp I8L ANT CeLeVK8 MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Nemesis standing with scales and parazonium. E in field. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 29mm and is 10.9g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-684. From Curtis Clay, "Your coin looks authentic, but tooled, especially in Elagabalus' hair, Maesa's hair and bust, hair and clothing of Nemesis. That's an unusual obv. die with AVPHLIOC written out, combined with draped and cuir. bust of Elagabalus. H/J p. 162, last coin, has AVPHLIOC, but head of E. only; similarly AMNG 955 and 966. AMNG 965 (in Paris) seems to be an obv. like yours, coupled with Concordia standing reverse." Not found in Varbanov. Not found in Zhekov/Jekov. Tooled Coin. Different legends and placement of E than BMC III (Thrace) 63.

Obverse:Avt k m avph antVneinoc ioyLia maica avG (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC IOYLIA MAICA AVg) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceLeykoy mapkianoPoLi tVn (Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOY MAPKIANOpOLI TwN). Hygieia (Salus) standing right, feeding serpent from patera. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 28.5mm and is 13.21g, die axis 195 deg. Reference: Moush-693, Varbanov 1632 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.21.1v (R6) v for different style dress. All varieties R6

Obverse:Avt k m avph antVneinoc ioyLia maica avG (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC IOYLIA MAICA AVg) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceLeykoy mapkianoPoLi tVn (Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOY MAPKIANOpOLI TwN). Hygieia (Salus) standing right, feeding serpent from patera. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 29.5mm and is 12.72g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Moush-693, Varbanov 1632 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.21.1v (R6) v for different style dress. All varieties R6. Note: Obverse legend based on spacing of previous example and reference based on such.

Obverse:Avt k m avph antVneinoc ioyLia maica avG (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC IOYLIA MAICA AVg) laureate, draped & cuirassed bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceLeykoy mapkianoPoLi tVn (Yp IOYL ANT CELEYKOY MAPKIANOpOLI TwN). Libertas standing left, holding a tessera (spelled tesera on Moushmov site) (plochka s dryjka) and cornucopiae. E in right field. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 27.5mm and is 10.03g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Moush-682, Varbanov 1638 (R5), Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.39.1 (R6), P.R. 969, H.M. 682

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVneinoc avG ioyLia maica avG (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC AVg IOYLIA MAICA AVg) laureate bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse: yP ioyL ant ceL eykoy mapkianoP oLitVn (Yp IOYL ANT CEL EYKOY MAPKIANOp OLITwN). Naked Apollo standing facing, looking right, right hand on head, holding bow in left; at feet to right, serpent coiled round stump of tree. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 28.5mm and is 13.36g, die axis 10 deg. Reference: Moush-663, Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.7.3 (R6) (without reverse E?), Varbanov-1614 (R4) (without reverse E?).

Obverse: Avt k m avp antVneinoc avG ioyLia maica avG (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC AVg IOYLIA MAICA AVg) laureate bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse:vP i8L ant ceLevkov mapkianoPoLit Vn (Vp I8L ANT CELEVKOV MAPKIANOpOLIT wN). The A and P on the reverse legend are shown as ligature (wikipedia). Bust of Serapis right, wearing kalathos (a basket made of reeds); E in field to left. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 28.5mm and is 13.82g, die axis 45 deg. Reference: Moush-668, Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.6.1 (R7), Varbanov 1647 (R4) - 1648 (R3) with 1648's obverse legend ending in an O, Not in BMC III Thrace.

Obverse:Avt k m avph antVneinoc ioyLia maica avG (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC IOYLIA MAICA AVg) laureate bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse: yP ioyL ant c¥L¥ykoy mapkianoPoLi tVn (Yp IOYL ANT CeLeYKOY MAPKIANOpOLI TwN) Dikaiosyne (Aequitas) standing left holding scales and cornucopia; E in field to right. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 29mm and is 12.78g, die axis 195 deg. Reference: Moush-674, Varbanov 1621 (R3), Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.35.5 (R6) Note: Varbanov 1621 has OVC at the end of the obverse legend while Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.35.5 does not. Both examples are the only one listed by the author that starts with AVT K M AVPH. All others start with AVT K M AVP. BMC III-Thrace 63v v for differing obverse and reverse legends.

Obverse:Avt k m avph antVneinoc ioyLia maica... (AVT K M AVPH ANTwNEINOC IOYLIA MAICA...) laureate bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse: yP ioyL ant c¥L¥ykoy mapkianoPo LitVn (Yp IOYL ANT CeLeYKOY MAPKIANOpO LITwN) Euthenia (Abundantia or Annona) standing left, holding corn-ears and cornucopiae, E in right field. Euthenia was the spirit of prosperity, abundance and plenty. She was one of the four younger graces. Euthenia is depicted rather than Demeter as Demeter's usual attribute along with corn-ears were normally either a torch or scepter. It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 26mm and is 10.98g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Moush-677 (though 670 lists as Demeter with same attributes), Varbanov 1624v v for different obverse legend. 1624 has AVP rather than AVPH as this coin. Last portion of obverse legend unreadable, Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.5.3 listing under Demeter however has what I believe to be Abundantia? in parenthesis. AMNG I, page 276, no. 968v (listed as Goddess and Abundantia? in parenthesis), v for different obverse legend. Not in BMC III-Thrace.

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVneinoc avG ioyLia maica avG (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC AVg IOYLIA MAICA AVg) laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus facing diademed & draped bust of Julia Maesa. Reverse:vP i8L ant ceLevkov mapkianoPoLitVn (Vp I8L ANT CELEVKOV MAPKIANOpOLITwN) Apollo/Bonus Eventus/Genius holding patera and laurel branch It was minted under Legate (Governor) Julius Antonius Seleucus between 218 and 222 AD. The diameter is 28mm and is 11.75g, die axis 15 deg. Reference: Different Obverse die. Elagabalus has more cuirass showing and it appears there was a die break over Julia's bust. Moush-667, The obverse is similar to (or die matches) Varbanov 1614 and Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.7.2. The reverse could be Varbanov 1661 (Apollo) or 1665 (Bonus Eventus) or Zhekov/Jekov 6.28.7.1 (Apollo/Bonus Eventus). On reverse legend the first OV, the AP, and the omega N are all ligature.

Coins worth 5 assaria

Elagabalus with his mother Julia Soaemias:

Obverse:Avt k m avp antVneinoc avG ioyLia covaimi (AVT K M AVP ANTwNEINOC AVg IOYLIA COVAIMI) Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus facing draped bust of his mother Julia Soaemias Reverse:vP i8L ant ceLevkov mapkianoPoLit Vn (Vp I8L ANT CELEVKOV MAPKIANOpOLIT wN) Hades-Serapis or Sarapis standing left with kalathos (a basket made of reeds), holding patera and staff. The diameter is 27mm and is 11.65g, die axis 0 deg. Reference: Zhekov/Jekov 6.27.6.1 (R9), Zhekov/Jekov incorrectly lists the second OV on the reverse as a ligature (wikipedia) though the pictured reverse legend matches this one, Not found in Varbanov, not found in Moushmov, Not found in AMNG I. Note: Rarer coin, probably from early during his rule.

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Gods and Goddesses on the coins of Markianopolis during the time of Elagabalus

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Reverse types of Elagabalus and Julia Soaemias (From Markianopolis)

Reverse types of Elagabalus and Julia Maesa (From Markianopolis)

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