Empresses of Rome. Julia Domna 193-211AD. 205 AD. AV-Aureus 7.35 g. Rome Mint.
Obverse: SEVERVS AVG PART MAX Laureate head of Septimius Severus to r.
Reverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA Draped bust of Julia Domna to r.
References: BMC 192 note. Calicó 2588. Cohen -. RIC 161a.
Provenance: Ex Hans Krähenbühl Collection, Leu Numismatik 8, October 23, 2021, lot 320; privately purchased from Bank Leu on 10 November 1967
Description: Julia Domna was the wife of Septimius Severus, and the mother of Geta and Caracalla. Domna was born into a powerful family of priest-kings in Emesa (modern Homs), Syria. Julia married Septimius in 187 AD, allegedly to fulfill a prophecy Severus heard that stated that a woman in Syria would marry an Emperor. Domna was famous for her political, social, and philosophical acumen. She was known to travel with the her husband while led his armies, and while Empress in Rome, was responsible for numerous building projects, including the reconstruction of the Temple of Vesta.
Reverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA Draped bust of Julia Domna to r.
References: BMC 192 note. Calicó 2588. Cohen -. RIC 161a.
Provenance: Ex Hans Krähenbühl Collection, Leu Numismatik 8, October 23, 2021, lot 320; privately purchased from Bank Leu on 10 November 1967
Description: Julia Domna was the wife of Septimius Severus, and the mother of Geta and Caracalla. Domna was born into a powerful family of priest-kings in Emesa (modern Homs), Syria. Julia married Septimius in 187 AD, allegedly to fulfill a prophecy Severus heard that stated that a woman in Syria would marry an Emperor. Domna was famous for her political, social, and philosophical acumen. She was known to travel with the her husband while led his armies, and while Empress in Rome, was responsible for numerous building projects, including the reconstruction of the Temple of Vesta.