Coin of Hierapolis under Elagabalus c. 218 - 222

Editor: Here we have a coin, minted in Hierapolis under Elagabalus. What strikes me is the portrait, so crisp compared to the rest of the coin’s details. How would you interpret the composition of this piece? Curator: The coin presents a fascinating study in relief. Note the stark contrast between the high relief of the emperor’s profile and the flatter, more schematic rendering of the reverse. Editor: So, the differing levels of relief contribute to the coin's meaning? Curator: Precisely. The artist has clearly chosen to emphasize the individual likeness through detailed execution, whilst the religious or symbolic iconography on the reverse is deliberately more stylized, perhaps referencing established numismatic conventions. A marked visual hierarchy. Editor: Interesting! I never considered how much the level of detail could contribute to the overall message.