Julia Domna, Augusta, AR Denarius, Rome mint. Struck under Septimius Severus, AD 198-200 – RRRR

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Description

Roman Imperial, Julia Domna, Augusta, 193-217 AD, AR Denarius (silver, 3.19g, 17.8mm), Rome mint. Struck under Septimius Severus, AD 198-200
Obv:  JULIA AVGVSTA; draped bust right
Rev:  MATRI CASTROR VM; Julia standing left, holding acerrum with open lid and sacrificing out of patera over lighted altar to left; two signa to left
Ref:  RSC 134 Rarity/Choice: Very Rare, VF (toned, a little porous, traces of deposits otherwise, lovely)
Note: Julia Domna was a prominent Roman empress of Syrian origin, born around 170 CE in Emesa (modern-day Homs, Syria). She came from a wealthy and influential family; her father, Julius Bassianus, was the high priest of the sun god Elagabal (or Heliogabalus), which was the principal deity worshipped in Emesa. This position conferred significant social and religious influence. Julia Domna was the wife of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus and the mother of Emperors Caracalla and Geta. She held the title of Augusta from AD 193 to 217, a period that saw significant political and military changes in the Roman Empire. As a highly influential empress, Julia Domna played a crucial role in supporting her husband and sons’ reigns, and she was known for her patronage of philosophers and intellectuals. Julia Domna’s legacy is marked by her unique blend of Syrian heritage and Roman political influence, her patronage of the arts and education, and her formidable presence in the male-dominated sphere of Roman imperial politics. The obverse, featuring her draped bust, emphasizes her status and dignity. The reverse, depicting her as “Mother of the Camps” performing a sacrifice, conveys themes of piety, support for the military, and her protective role over the Roman legions. This coin not only facilitated economic transactions but also served as a powerful tool of imperial propaganda, aimed at legitimizing Julia Domna’s influential role and garnering support for the Severan dynasty during a formative period in Roman history.

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