ELAGABALUS
AD 218-222
AE26. 10.43g, 26.4mm
MINTED: MOESIA INFERIOR, Nicopolis ad Istrum, circa AD 218-222. Novius Rufus, consular legate.
REF: Varbanov 3891 var. (bust type)
OBVERSE: AYT K M AVPH ANTΩNEINOC, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear.
REVERSE: VΠ NOBIOV POVΦ8 NIKOΠOΛITΩN, river god reclining right, holding reed and resting on prow right; ΠPOC I in exergue, CT PON in two lines right field.
 
Provenance:
Ex Roma E-sale 21 (31 Oct 2015), lot 531
 
Grade/Notes:
Fine/Almost Very Fine. Beautiful glossy and smooth jade-green patina.  Very well-centered reverse.
 
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.