The George W. La Borde Collection of Roman Aurei Part I
THE ROMAN EMPIRE
Magna Urbica, wife of Carinus
Aureus 283, AV 4.85 g. MAGNIA V – R BICA AVG Diademed and draped bust r. Rev. VENERI VICTRICI Venus standing r., holding up drapery at her l. shoulder and apple in l. hand. C 8. RIC 340. Kent-Hirmer pl. 146, 560. Giacosa, Women of the Caesars, p. 123 and pl. 57 (this coin). Mazzini 8 (this coin). Calicó 4409.
Very rare and among the finest specimens known. An elegant portrait well-struck in
high relief and a lovely light reddish tone, good extremely fine
Provenance
Giuseppe Mazzini (1883-1961) Collection.
Dr. Athos D. Moretti (1907-1993) Collection sold anonymously by Numismatic Fine Arts, auction XXII, Beverly Hills CA, 1st June 1989, lot 114.
Sold by Numismatica Ars Classica, auction 38 (”A Connoisseur of Portraiture”), Zurich, 21 March 2007, lot 192.

Known principally from her coinage, Magna Urbica is not mentioned by the ancient authors. She certainly was the wife of Carinus, whom she probably married in 283, as both of their busts appear on quinarius and gold medallion. However, considering that she was one of nine wives the Historia Augusta reports to Carinus to have had, we cannot be certain she is the natuaral mother of Carinus’ son Nigrinianus.