Denarius of Elagabalus c. 220 - 222

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of Elagabalus. It’s small, silver, and from, well, the time of Elagabalus. I find the portrait on the front so severe. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, yes, Elagabalus. He certainly made an impression. This coin, really, is a carefully crafted piece of propaganda. The stern portrait? A deliberate attempt to project power and legitimacy. Notice how the reverse depicts a religious figure? Editor: Is that Sol Invictus? Curator: Indeed! Elagabalus, remember, tried to install Sol Invictus as the chief god of Rome. This coin isn't just money; it's a statement. Editor: Fascinating. It's amazing how much history can be packed into such a tiny object. Curator: Exactly! It is a portal to another time, another mindset. I love the way it makes us think about what really matters.