ELAGABALUS, TYRE, PHOENICIA AE
BMC 396, Rouvier 2350, AVF / VF, 29.1mm, 12.85 grams, Struck Circa. 218 - 222 C.E.
Obverse:IMP CAES M AV ANTONINVS AVG around laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus right
Reverse: Astarte standing facing, placing hand on trophy to left and being crowned by Victory standing on column to right, palm tree at her feet to left and murex shell to right, TYRIORVM around
The murex (depicted on the reverse) was used for the famous purple / blue dye known as the Techeilet.
Struck on excellent metal and in excellent condition for this issue!
