Sorting out a large pile of coins and I just found a Vestal Virigin. you can see the coin in the picture-- Aquilia Severa was a Vestal Virgin and the second and fourth wife of Elagabalus. Because she was a Vestal Virgin, the first marriage was nullified because the VV’s had to take a 30 year vow of celibacy to the goddess Vesta. The person behind the break-up was probably by his grandmother Julia Maesa; who was responsible for his rise to power. Elagabalus married her again though and they were still married until his assassination in A.D. 222; but after that date, nothing more is known about Aquilia Severa. Aquilia Severa A.D. 220- 222 AR Denarius 19x20mm 3.1g IVLIA AQVILIA SEVERA AVG; draped bust right. CONCORDIA; Concordia standing left, holding patera and double cornucopia; on left lighted altar, ✶ in left. RIC IV Rome 225 Elagabalus A.D. 222 AR Denarius 17x18mm 3.0g IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG; laureate, and draped bust right P M TRP V COS IIII P P; Elagabalus standing left sacrificing out of patera over lighted altar and holding branch; in left field ✶. RIC IV Rome 53 Julia Maesa A.D. 218- 224 AR Denarius 19x20mm 3.1g IVLIA MAESA AVG; draped bust right. SAECVLI FELICITAS; Felicitas standing half-left, sacrificing out of a patera over lighted altar, holding long caduceus in left hand, star in right field. RIC IV Rome 271 Grandmother of Elagabalus and Severus Alexander
Aquilia Severa (220, & 221 - 222 A.D.) AR Denarius O: IVLIA AQUILIA SEVERA AVG, Draped bust right. R: CONCORDIA, Concordia standing facing, head left, holding double cornucopia and sacrificing with patera over altar to left; star to right. Rome Mint 19mm 3.02g RIC IV(part 2), pg 47, #226 (Elagabalus)
I have never been a fan of collecting ancient coins because I don't like that many are hard to make out details. However, this lot you have up here are very impressive (at least to my eye) that I wouldn't mind collecting them if I could get them all in this shape with sharp details.
You have to pay to play...this lot was not cheap and the vig was stout. Seriously though, lots of nice condition ancients are available...you have to spend a little time familiarizing yourself with prices and types and then you can definitely find some good deals.
