Roman Provincial Silver Tetradrachm - Antioch Seleucis and Pieria 218-222 AD

Roman Provincial Silver Tetradrachm - Antioch Seleucis and Pieria 218-222 AD - Elagabalus - Eagle

• Obverse:  Laureate bust right, with slight drapery.
• Reverse:  Eagle standing facing, head left, with wreath in beak and wings spread; star between legs.
• Date: 218-222 AD
• Size: 25.1 mm, 14.9 g
• Composition: Silver
• Internal SKU: 202X653

HISTORICAL NOTE: This exquisite Roman Provincial Silver Tetradrachm hails from Antioch in the region of Seleucis and Pieria, minted during the reign of the enigmatic Emperor Elagabalus between 218 and 222 AD. Elagabalus, known for his controversial reign and devotion to the sun god Elagabal, sought to elevate the status of his deity and the city of Antioch, a pivotal center of Hellenistic culture and commerce. Strikingly depicted on this coin is a majestic eagle, a symbol often associated with imperial power and divine favor, embodying the connection between the emperor and the heavens. During this period, Antioch thrived as one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities of the Roman Empire, marked by its vibrant mix of cultures and religions, making this tetradrachm not just a monetary piece, but a testament to a time of cultural fusion and imperial ambition. Collectors and history enthusiasts alike will appreciate this tangible connection to a remarkable and often