Owner Comments:
Little is known regarding the life and reign of Magnia Urbica. Based on the most reliable surviving source of information – namely, coinage – her husband was probably Roman Emperor Carinus, although an alternate theory proposes the latter’s father, Emperor Carus. Either way, Magnia Urbica reigned as Rome’ sole Augusta at the time, circa 283-284 AD.
The obverse of this particular aurelianianus features the draped bust of the Empress atop a crescent. This depiction nicely complements the coinage of the Emperor, who typically was featured donning a radiate crown. Encircling the Empress’ bust is the inscription MAGN VRBICA AVG, confirming Magnia Urbica’s status as Rome’s Augusta, if not identifying her husband.
The reverse features the figure and inscription of VENVS VICTRIX. This victorious version of the goddess Venus was worshiped in Rome from at least Sulla’s time, and her followers surged during Julius Caesar’s civil war that ultimately saw the Republic transform into an Empire. On the reverse below the deity are three letters: K A ς. The first two of these letters denote in Greek the denomination 20+1 (equivalent to the Roman XXI) according to numismatic conventions introduced a few decades earlier by Emperor Aurelian, and the final letter indicates an origin of Rome’ 6th officina.
Although this particular issue predominates Magnia Urbica’s coinage, this coin is nonetheless relatively rare, especially considering its mint state condition. Indeed, all of Magnia Urbica's coins are relatively rare since she reigned only briefly during a chaotic period. Presumably, her reign abruptly ended upon Carinus' demise and subsequent
damnatio memoriae; her final fate remains unknown. At least to the extent her coinage has survived, the ephemeral Empress was not completely lost to history.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Magnia Urbica (Augusta, 283-285 AD), Antoninianus (3.62g, 21 mm), Rome, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Obverse: Draped bust right, wearing stephane and set upon crescent, MAGN VRBICA AVG, Reverse: Victorious Venus standing left, holding helmet and scepter, shield to left, VENVS VICTRIX / KAς, Reference: RIC 343.