Orbiana, wife of Severus Alexander, Augusta, 225-227. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.21 g, 12 h), Rome, 225. SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG Diademed and draped bust of Orbiana to right. Rev. CONCORDIA AVGG Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera in her right hand and double cornucopia with her left. BMC 287-9 ( Severus Alexander ). Cohen 1. RIC 319. A very pleasant example with a good portrait. Extremely fine.

From a collection in the USA.

Ancient sources tell us that Orbiana - actually Gaea Seia Herennia Sallustia Barbia Orbiana, daughter of the powerful Roman senator, Lucius Seius Herennius Sallustius - was apparently famous for her beauty, and that she was married to Severus Alexander due to the influence of his grandmother Julia Maesa. Apparently Alexander's mother Mamaea became jealous of her and arranged for her divorce and exile, as well as the execution of her father.