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Stone of Emesa

(1 coin)
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Elagabalus, Stone of Emesa, ex: Mazzini

AR Denarius, 3.61g. 19.5mm. Antioch, c. 219-220 A.D. IMP ANTONINVS AVG. Laureate and draped bust of Elagabalus to right. Rev. COS III P P. Eagle with wreath in beak standing on thunderbolt in front of the Stone of Emesa, a large conical stone inscribed with five stars. RIC IV, pt. 2, 176. BMC p. 584= Arnold collection example, Glendining, London, Auction Nov. 21, 1984, lot 252= Hess-Leu, Lucerne, Auction 41, April 24-25, 1969, lot 375. C 26. Lightly toned with luster and struck from fresh dies on both sides with the reverse in very high relief. This is the finest known example of a great rarity.

The stone was probably a meteorite as described by Herodian(v.3.5) as having come down from Zeus. The stone was worshipped in a temple at Emesa by Elagabalus as a symbol of the sun-god.  It was then carried to Rome in 219 and placed in a temple on the Palatine.

Provenance/Pedigrees

Ex: Mazzini collection, Elagabalus 26(RRR), published Milan, 1957.
Ex: Bank Leu, Zurich, Auction 28, May 5, 1981, lot 512 

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Mint State $75,000.
 

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