The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS Strike: 4/5 Surface: 5/5
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

Julia Domna (170-217 AD), born Julia Martha, was the child of an influential Syrian family. She took the name Domna, the feminine form of Latin dominus, or Lord, when she married Septimus Severus. Childless, widowed, and in his forties, after investigating horoscopes of prospective brides, Severus discovered that there was a woman in Syria who had been foretold that she would marry a king. The horoscope was fulfilled and Severus became Emperor. Julia Domna became the most honored and influential Empress in the history of the Roman Empire. From the start (193 AD, the “year of the five Emperors,” one of which was Severus), she played an important imperial role, travelling with her husband on campaign. Not since Faustina Jr. had an Empress traveled with and became so recognizable among the troops: Domna earned the rank of Mater Castrorum (Mother of the Camp). She supported not only the military, but also the arts and literature. She hung out with the literati of her day: the famous physician Galen, the renowned lawyer Ulpian, and the esteemed sophist Philostratus, to name a few. With her captivating combination of great beauty and intelligence, Julia Domna earned the nickname of “the Philosopher.” Her popularity didn’t stop there: she was also admired by the Senate (who named her Mater Senatus), and even common citizens (earning the title of Mater Patriae). Even with all her successes, the Augusta (like her Augustus) worried about the discord between her two sons, Caracalla and Geta. When Severus died in 211 AD, things grew even more contentious since the pair were now forced into a joint rule. The brothers set up a barrier to divide their palace in Rome, and even planned to formally divide the Empire (apparently, Domna talked them out of it). Domna urgently tried to foster peace between her sons, and desperately wanted to believe Caracalla when he asked her to invite Geta into private negotiations where their family differences could be settled. Julia fell for the ruse, and realizing her error – too late - tried in vain to shield Geta from Caracalla’s guards. Her youngest son died in her arms. Somehow, the remarkable Domna recovered from the situation to continue as Mater Augustorum alongside her elder son Caracalla. The obverse of this coin depicts Julia the following year, with an epithet intended to downplay family discord and fratricide: IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG. No doubt that Doman felt neither pious nor happy about her traumatic experiences. The coin’s verso depicts Pudicitia, the Goddess personifying modesty and sexual virtue. Enemies of the Severan-Emesan dynasty routinely accused Domna of sexual impropriety (to bring into question the legitimacy of her heirs), and the design may have been intended as a response. Of particular note is that Pudicitia’s right hand is on her breast and she faces frontward, directly towards the coin's viewer. These were unusual numismatic conventions at the time, perhaps to guarantee the legend’s message with a direct and unflinching gaze. For the next half dozen years, Domna supported her remaining son and his Empire. She also continued to appear on coinage, still bearing the inscription IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG. In 217 AD, it all ended when Caracalla was murdered and succeeded by his Praetorian Prefect. The latter might have allowed Domna to retain her title as Augustus, but the proud Emesan was not interested in a title without any real power or presence on the throne. After bearing her son’s remains back to Rome, Domna – perhaps also afflicted with breast cancer – reportedly starved herself to death. Coin details: Roman Empire, Julia Domna (193-217 AD), AR Denarius (3.24 g), Struck: 212 AD, Grade: MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5. Obverse: Draped bust right, IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, Reverse: Pudicitia seated left, head and body facing, right hand on breast, sceptre in left, PVDICITIA, Reference: RIC IV 385; Cohen 172; Sear 7105.

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