ELAGABALUS
AD 218-222
AE16. 3.07g, 16.2mm
MINTED: MOESIA INFERIOR, Nicopolis ad Istrum, circa AD 218-222
REF: Hristova & Jekov 8.26.54.21 (same dies); Varbanov 3850 var.
OBVERSE: AVT M AVRH ANT[ΩNINOC], laureate head right.
REVERSE: NI/KOΠ/OΛITΩN/POC IC/TPON, in five lines within laurel wreath.
 
Grade/Notes:
Very Fine. Dark green patina with lighter dusky-green in fields. A very pleasing small bronze of Nicopolis. 
 
Historical Notes:
Following his victory over King Decebalus in the Dacian Wars (AD 101-106), Emperor Trajan reorganised the region and founded several cities, including Nicopolis, which was situated by the river Iatrus. Nicopolis flourished as a major trade centre throughout the 2nd century, though by the mid 3rd century, the region began to be increasingly subject to invasions by the barbarian tribes. The city was destroyed in AD 447 by the soldiers of Attila the Hun.