Just another empress I needed for my collection. I liked it cause it was different then the usual CONCORDIAE MILITVM I see everywhere. Its also got alot of silvering in the empty fields under under the crust. I am just hesitant to clean it nor do I know how with silvered AEs. Severina (274 - 275 A.D.) AE Antoninianus O: SEVERINA AVG, Diademed and draped bust right on a crescent. R: PROVIDEN DEOR, Fides standing right holding two standards, facing Sol standing left holding globe in left and raising right, UXXT in ex. Ticinum mint 22mm 3.5g RIC 9
What a great coin. Had to look up that empress: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulpia_Severina The bust on the crescent and the image of Sol on the reverse places the coin AD mid-third century up to Christian Rome, but I think most of us would be hard pressed to say more about the Empress. Thanks, again, for a coin that stimulates learning. guy
And a quick question: Who was the last empress to be depicted with her bust on a crescent? (I have to look that one up still.) guy
Im 99% sure it was Magnia Urbica (283 - 285 A.D.), wife of emperor Carinus. Her coins are fairly rare.
Another cool addition. I like the way the silvering looks on this one, and I know what you mean. My Constans FH might look a little better with some more cleaning but I'm afraid to do anything. I think yours looks good as is though. Can't say I know much about Severina either.
Usually EDTA or lemon juice do not hurt silvering but they need to be watched closely not to go too far on the exposed copper. I don't see the coin as bad enough to be worth risking any treatment.
Makes sense: RIC 337 Sear'88 #3489 Magnia Urbica AE Antoninianus. Lugdunum mint. MAGNIA VRBICA AVG, diademed & draped bust right, resting on crescent / VENVS GENETRIX, Venus standing left, holding apple & scepter, shield at feet, D to left. RIC 337, Cohen 11. (Image from Wildwinds.com) I guess the only other possibility would be the wife of Diocletian's immediate predecessor, Numerian. I also have to check the wives of the Tetrarchy. Thanks, again, guy
Numerian never had a coin issued with his wife I believe. And the Tetrarchy didnt have many of their wives either. There is Theodora who's coins look like 4th century coinage, sloppy & hard to make out, expensive in nice grades. And then there was Galeria Valeria, the daughter of Emperor Diocletian and the second wife of Emperor Galerius but her coins feature no crescent. I own neither of these empresses mainly cause they havent been at a price point I am comfortable with & I dont have a huge interest in them so I am slow to acquire ones of them. At least with Severina, she ruled the empire herself for a short period, thats something interesting. Galeria has this: Interesting but not what she goes for $ wise for a respectable looking coin.
That's a really nice empress Mat. You must be proud of that one. Its interesting how the whole "long neck" look they used on the empresses as well. Very nice style on her face and hairdo especially.
