The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC Ch MS* Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

Elagabalus (ca. 203-222 AD) was infamous for a rule marked by religious controversy and sexual perversion. He ascended to power via the machinations of his Syrian mother, Julia Soaemias, who publically - and falsely - declared that he was the illegitimate son of her cousin, the assassinated Emperor Caracalla. He even adopted Caracalla’s names, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, as declared on the obverse of this mint state ancient denarius. History, however, remembers him as Elagabalus, for his birthright and devotion as a high priest of Elagabal, the Syrian sun god. The newly ascended 14 year-old Augustus strove to replace the traditional Roman gods with his own. He imported holy Syrian artifacts and erected new temples, replacing Jupiter with his sun god. He personally presided over religious rites, which all were forced to attend, thus managing to estrange Roman Pagans, Jews and Christians alike. The reverse of this coin proudly presents MARS VICTOR, heroic and nude, donning a gloriously crested helmet, brandishing a fierce-looking spear, and nonchalantly carrying a military trophy atop his shoulder. The numismatic juxtaposition of Mars and Elagabalus is quintessential Roman propaganda; it is difficult to imagine a more dissimilar pairing. Elagabalus was probably transgender. Seemingly, he cared little for the purple, leaving Rome’s day-to-day governance in the capable hands of his mother and grandmother. Instead of leading troops in battle, Rome’s newest Augustus dressed as a woman in public, and reportedly offered a fortune to any physician who could make him female. He play-acted at prostituting himself, standing nude in a designated room in the palace, soliciting “passers-by” (men he had specially selected to play that role). He may have married up to five times, including a vestal virgin, an outrageous affront to Roman tradition. Among numerous relationships with both genders, Elagbalus’ most stable, long-term relationship was with his slave and chariot-driver, Hierocles. In a lively account by ancient historian Cassius Dio, Hierocles became jealous when Elagabalus sought out a famous athlete named Aurelius Zoticus. More than muscle and athleticism, Zoticus earned fame from his prodigious private parts. In any case, Zoticus was summoned and presented himself to his Emperor, who reproved him "Call me not Lord, for I am a lady." The tryst turned tepid, however, when Zoticus did not perform up to imperial expectations. Rising to the competition, Hierocles tricked the unsuspecting athlete to ingest a drug that abated his manly prowess. Beyond sexual escapades, Elagabalus threw lavish parties, including color-themed banquets, that began to take a toll on Rome’s coffers. While difficult to confirm given history’s negative bias, Elagabalus reportedly had a tendency for megalomania and cruelty, one that may have rivaled any of Rome’s previous rulers. As Elagabalus’ behavior grew more outrageous, his popularity plummeted. He was forced to name his cousin Severus Alexander as heir. The move was well received, so much so that Elagabalus grew jealous and ordered his cousin murdered. The Praetorian Guard refused to obey, and resolved instead to kill their Emperor, who was perhaps eighteen years old at the time. Coin details: Roman Empire, Elagabalus (218-222 AD), AR Double-Denarius (4.94 g), NGC Grade: Ch MS*, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Radiate, draped bust right, seen from behind, IMP CAES ANTONINVS AVG, Reverse: Mars, nude with flowing cloak, advancing right, spear pointing forward in right hand, trophy in left hand over shoulder, MARS VICTOR, Reference: RIC IV, Part II, 120 (S).

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