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Although not particularly well known to history, Pompeia Plotina (70? – 122? AD) ranks as one of the most intriguing Roman Empresses. Born of the prominent Pompeia gens, she married an up-and-coming Roman soldier named Marcus Ulpius Traianus in late 1st century AD. By the end of that century, Plotina’s husband ascended Rome’s throne, and offered her the title of Augusta. Remarkably, Plotina refused the honor at that time. Instead, she chose to earn it.
Wherein Trajan is considered one of Rome’s “good” Emperors, Plotina for her part set an example as a good Empress. She earned renown for her virtue, dignity and simplicity. Upon entering the royal palace for the first time, she promised her fellow Romans that she would always remain the way she was at that moment. Evidencing her desire to maintain harmony, Plotina fostered a close friendship with Trajan’s sister, Marciana. Like Plotina, Marciana also declined the Augusta title upon Trajan’s ascension. It was not until 105 AD that Plotina felt that she warranted the title of Augusta, and she insisted that her sister-in-law share the honor as well.
It is interesting to note that neither Plotina nor Marciana appeared on coinage until 112 AD. That was probably the year that Marciana died. In any case, all of Marciana’s coins were struck that year and all likely represent posthumous issues. Seemingly out of respect, Plotina’s numismatic debut coincides with - rather than precedes - her sister-in-law’s coinage.
Plotina’s coins are relatively rare. Several issues were struck in Asia Minor, including this well-preserved example from the Lydian mint of Gordus-Julia. The obverse features a strong portrait of the Empress, accompanied by a Greek inscription denoting her imperial title (ΠΛΩΤЄΙΝΑ СЄΒΑСΤΗ). The reverse features Zeus seated on His throne, reminiscent of Hellenistic coinage from previous centuries. The reverse inscription ΓΟΡΔΗΝΩΝ ЄΠΙ ΠΟΠΛΙΟΥ tells us that a man named Poplius served as Gordus-Julia’s magistrate at the time.
Like Plotina herself, this coin’s design is unassuming. However, one aspect stands out, literally - the Empress’ coiffure. Specifically, Plotina sports an elegant pompadour that complements her imperial visage. Compared to her predecessors (in particular, the Flavian Empresses) Plotina’s pompadour appears relatively natural and modest, reminiscent of the nodus hairstyle famously worn by Rome’s first Empress, Livia. Even regarding her personal grooming, Plotina met Roman expectations without undue vanity or pomposity.
Plotina was not only virtuous, but also highly intelligent. Often cited is her devotion to the Epicurean philosophical school in Athens. Considering Plotina’s nature, it is not surprising that she embraced Epicurus’ focus on self-sufficiency and human companionship. The ancient philosopher also insisted that truths could not be known except through logical deduction and direct observation. These concepts remain important today as the basis of scientific methodology. Unusual for the time, Epicurus’ school embraced all members, including woman and slaves, and Plotina reciprocated with life-long devotion.
Through her actions, Plotina played a critical role in sustaining Rome’s Golden Age. In 117 AD, she convinced her dying husband to officially name Hadrian as successor. Evidently, Trajan was too weak to execute the appropriate documents, so Plotina signed the will in his stead. An alternative, highly unlikely viewpoint is that Plotina forged the will to place Hadrian on Rome’s throne. Either way, Plotina, who did not bear Trajan any children, secured the Empire another good Emperor.
Coin Details: ROMAN PROVINCIAL, Lydia, Gordus-Julia, Plotina (Augusta, 105-123 AD), Poplios, magistrate, AE (3.59 g, 17 mm), NGC Grade: XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Draped bust right, ΠΛΩΤЄΙΝΑ СЄΒΑСΤΗ, Reverse: Zeus seated left on throne, holding patera and scepter, ΓΟΡΔΗΝΩΝ ЄΠΙ ΠΟΠΛΙΟΥ, References: RPC III 2550.8 (this coin cited); SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -; BMC 18; SNG München.