Code: 2800
Description: Roman Imperial Coinage: The Severan Dynasty A.D. 193-235 - A silver denarius of Julia Domna (c. 160-217 A.D.), wife of emperor Septimius Severus, draped bust facing right with the legend IVLIA AVGVSTA, the reverse showing Pietas standing facing left at altar, raising both hands in invocation, with the legend PIETAS PVBLICA, wear to the legend and the coin with a dark tone, Sear 6601.
Size: 18 x 18 mm/0.7 x 0.7 in., weight 3 g
Culture: Roman Empire
Provenance: Ex Gloucestershire private collection and a metal detecting find at Ludlow in Shropshire.
Notes: Julia Domna, of Arab descent, reigned as empress from 193 to 211 A.D., as the wife of emperor Septimius Severus. Her sons Caracalla and Geta fought for the succession with Geta being assassinated in 211 A.D. at the age of 22. When her other son Caracella was assassinated in A.D. 217, Julia Domna who was suffering from breast cancer committed suicide.
Reference: Sear, D.R. 2002, Roman Coins and their Values, Spink, London, Volume 2, p.494.
