Lot 4166
Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus. Gold Aureus (7.4g) minted at Rome, AD 211. IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG. Bare-headed, draped bust of Julia Domna right. Reverse: MAT AVGG MAT SEN M PATR. Julia Domna enthroned left, holding branch in right hand, scepter in left. Sear 7091; Calicó 2624; RIC 381. Well struck in high relief and lovely style. Superb Extremely Fine.
The extraordinary political influence of the empress Julia Domna in the period following the death of her husband Septimius Severus in AD 211 is strongly emphasized on this rare and attractive aureus type. The reverse inscription proclaims her as "Mother of the Emperors [Caracalla and Geta], Mother of the Senate, and Mother of her Country." No other empress ever bore such honorifics, and they bear testimony to the fact that from AD 211 to the time of her suicide in AD 217, Julia Domna was running the imperial government, especially during the absences on campaign of her elder son Caracalla. Her life at this time became increasingly tragic, as she was obliged to witness the fratricidal murder of her younger son Geta and the growing megalomania of Caracalla, culminating in his assassination in the East in AD 217.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000.
The Hunter Collection.
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| Realized $41,400 |
