The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Coin Details

  

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

Owner's Description

Otacilia Severa (? – 249 AD?) was wife of Emperor Philip I the Arab, and Empress of Rome from 244 to 249 AD. Her family was prominent. Her father was Otacilius Severus or Severianus (Roman Governor of Macedonia and Moesia), while her mother was of the royal Marcia lineage. In 234 AD, Otacilia married Philip when he was serving in the Praetorian Guard under Emperor Alexander Severus. They had three children, among them a son, Philip II. Because Philip was known for his tolerance of Christians, some historians consider Severa and Philip the first Christian imperial couple. Most of what we know about Otacilia is from her coinage. This particular coin was minted in 247 AD, and presents a typical obverse Empress portrait with the epithet M OTACIL SEVERA AVG (the M referring to her Marcia lineage). Otacilia’s bust sits atop a crescent. In this case, the crescent represents the moon, and was meant to compliment the radiate crown worn by her husband on his antoninianus. Other coins of Otacilia’s provide clues of her reign. For instance, Otacilia presided over Rome’s 1000th anniversary party, and several issues were struck in Otacilia’s name in commemoration. For more details of the stupendous gala, see the corresponding Philip I denarius in this NGC Ancient Custom Set. For the imperial family, the fun and games did not last. Philip became increasingly unpopular, and constantly contended with various attacks from all borders and from within. Apparently overwhelmed by invasions and usurpers, he offered to resign, but the Senate continued its support. Among Philip’s most avid supporters was Gaius Messius Quintus Decius. Impressed with Decius’ loyalty, Philip promptly gave him command of the Pannonian and Moesian provinces, and dispatched him to quell the rebellions there. Decius accomplished just that; however, afterwards the Danubian legions proclaimed him Emperor. Battles ensued, and Philip was killed in 249 AD, likely assassinated by his own troops eager to please the new Emperor. When the Praetorian Guard in Rome learned the news, they promptly killed Philip II. Otacilia, reportedly hugging her child during the murder, was either allowed to live, or somehow managed to escape. She probably fled to Philippopolis, Philip’s Arabian hometown that was transformed into Rome’s image, one of many extravagances that led to disapproval and downfall. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Otacilia Severa, 244-249 AD, AR Double-Denarius (Antoninianus) (4.54 g), Rome mint: AD 247 (6th Issue, 4th Officina), NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Diademed bust right, draped and on a crescent, M OTACIL SEVERA AVG, Reverse: Concordia seated left holding patera and double cornucopia, CONCORDIA AVGG, Reference: RIC IViii, 125c, page 83.

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