Lot 3231. VF. Est $975.

Elagabalus AE32 of Syria, Seleukis & Pieria, Laodikeia ad Mare. 

Obv: Laureate head right 
Rev: Sacred Stone of Emesa in facing quadriga, parasols above,
 eagle standing before.

The Stone of Emesa was a meteor that was worshipped as the 
incarnation of the Sun God, Heliogabalus, for whom the emperor
Elagabalus is known to history.

Elagabalus brought the Stone to Rome near the beginning of
his reign in 219 AD, making a grand procession all the way from Syria 
to the Palatine Hill. (This coin may commemorate its passing though 
Laodikeia ad Mare.) After Elagabalus was deposed and killed, the Stone was
returned to Emesa.  It is not known what happened to it after that, though
some have suggested that it is the Black Stone in Mecca, object of
pilgrimage for millions of Islamic worshippers to the present day.
Elagabalus AE32 of Syria, Seleukis & Pieria, Laodikeia ad Mare. Laureate head right / Sacred Stone of Emesa in facing quadriga. 

By permission of ancientcoinart.com, April, 2003.