Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction X 27 September 2015
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Julia Domna AV Aureus. Rome, AD 193-196. IVLIA DOMNA AVG, draped bust of Julia Domna right, her hair in six waves and bound up at the back / VENERI VICTR, Venus standing right, seen from behind, half nude with drapery hanging low beneath her posterior, holding palm branch in her left hand, a globe in her right and leaning with her left elbow on a low column to her left. BMC 47; Calicó 2641a; Cohen 193; Hill 100; RIC 536. 7.29g, 21mm, 12h.
Fleur De Coin.
From the Ambrose Collection;
Ex Hirsch 281, 2 May 2012, lot 899.
Septimius Severus, who had come to power after a civil war, aspired to restore peace and stability to the Roman Empire. His wife, Julia Domna, was to play an instrumental role in this endeavour, as a vehicle for the promotion of traditional Roman values. Inscriptions attest to the great number of titles conferred upon her, including that of Mater Senatus et Patriae . On account of her faithful companionship during her husband's military campaigns she was named Mater Castrorum, and a statue was set up in the Forum to honour her.
An association with Venus was favoured for the Empress' coinage; the first issues struck for Julia Domna feature the goddess. Cassius Dio relates that prior to their wedding, Septimius Severus dreamt that Faustina Junior prepared their nuptial chamber within the Temple of Venus and Roma - a neat propaganda tool that at once implied Faustina's approval of Julia Domna, and her acceptance of Severus' legitimacy.
Fleur De Coin.
From the Ambrose Collection;
Ex Hirsch 281, 2 May 2012, lot 899.
Septimius Severus, who had come to power after a civil war, aspired to restore peace and stability to the Roman Empire. His wife, Julia Domna, was to play an instrumental role in this endeavour, as a vehicle for the promotion of traditional Roman values. Inscriptions attest to the great number of titles conferred upon her, including that of Mater Senatus et Patriae . On account of her faithful companionship during her husband's military campaigns she was named Mater Castrorum, and a statue was set up in the Forum to honour her.
An association with Venus was favoured for the Empress' coinage; the first issues struck for Julia Domna feature the goddess. Cassius Dio relates that prior to their wedding, Septimius Severus dreamt that Faustina Junior prepared their nuptial chamber within the Temple of Venus and Roma - a neat propaganda tool that at once implied Faustina's approval of Julia Domna, and her acceptance of Severus' legitimacy.