★ FDC & Ex G. Hirsch XIV, 1957 ★

ROMAN EMPIRE. Julia Domna (wife of Septimius Severus).
Gold Aureus, AD 196. Rome.
Obv: IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right. Rev: DIANA LVCIFERA, Diana standing left, holding torch in both hands. RIC IV 548 var. (Severus, crescent on neck); Hill 223; Calicó 2610.

Fleur De Coin; a spectacular aureus, virtually as struck.

Julia Domna was born around AD 160 in Emesa, Syria, into a prominent family of priests dedicated to the sun god Elagabal. Known for her intelligence, political acumen, and cultural patronage, she became a formidable figure in Roman history after marrying Emperor Septimius Severus. Julia was well-educated and deeply interested in philosophy, often surrounding herself with scholars and thinkers, earning a reputation as a philosopher in her own right. Her strong personality and strategic mind were evident in her involvement in state affairs, where she acted as an adviser to her husband and later to her son, Caracalla. Despite the turbulent nature of her time, marked by internal strife and civil war, Domna managed to maintain relative stability within the imperial family and even expand her influence across the empire.

Ex Marti Hervera (20/5/2004), lot 410; ex Bankhaus H. Aufhäuser, Auction 17 (18/3/2003), lot 413; ex G. Hirsch, Auction XIV (19/9/1957), lot 706.

Reference: RIC IV-548 var. (crescent on neck; Septimius Severus); Biaggi-1135; Hill-223; Calicó-2610.
Rarity: Rare.
Die Axis: 6h.
Diameter: 20 mm.
Weight: 7.09 g.