Ancient Roman Elagabalus Silver Denarius (c. AD 221–222)☆Forehead Horn

Denomination: Denarius

Historical Period: Roman: Imperial (27 BC-476 AD)

Cleaned/Uncleaned: Uncleaned

Composition: Silver

Provenance: Ownership History Not Available

Year: 217 AD

Era: Ancient

Fineness: 0.9

KM Number: 90

Ruler: Elagabalus

Country of Origin: Italy

An museum-grade, historically spectacular silver Denarius struck under Rome’s most controversial and eccentric teen emperor, Elagabalus (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus). Born in Syria, Elagabalus was elevated to the throne at just 14 years old. Rather than adopting traditional Roman religious customs, he upended Roman society by subordinating Jupiter to his native eastern sun god, Elagabal, appointing himself as the deity's supreme high priest.

This specific issue represents the absolute height of his short, volatile theocratic reign. Struck circa AD 221–222, the obverse captures the young emperor wearing the highly sought-after "forehead horn"—an exotic Syrian symbol of ultimate religious and masculine power—protruding over his laurel wreath. The reverse presents Elagabalus clad in elaborate, exotic Syrian priestly robes sacrificing over a holy altar, flanked by a prominent radiant star representing the solar presence of his god.