There's something about those Severan women, ya the Julia's. They all seem like they were born to lead. But in a mans world they ruled somewhat in the shadows. But I assume all of Rome knew who was calling the shots. Julia Varia or Julia Maesa "Augusta" as we know her. Everyone knows she was Julia Domna's sister as well. Both born in Roman Syria from Julius Bassianus a high priest. It is believed she was born in 165 AD because she married Julius Avitas Alexianus in 180 AD. Most Roman ladies were wedded at the age of 15. Her histirical prominence is no doubt due to her sister Domna and her marriage to Septimus Severus in 187 who the became Emperor 193-211. With her sister Domna having all the connections, Maesa followed her to Rome. Where they made a name for themselves in Roman history. Maesa had 2 daughters, yep both Julia's. Soaemias first, and Mamaea second. We all know the history of the Severan period. All the killing, suicide and the assassinations. If you don't it's a great period to educate yourself about. Google, wiki, and theres a nice little read at the total war center forum, follow the link below. http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?679594-The-legacy-of-Julia-Maesa-and-her-children It may have turned out a little different if Mamaea hadn't talked Alexander Severus to bribe or pay off the Alamani. Which turned their troops against them. Which led to Maximinus Thrax, the Emperor who started the 3rd century crisis. Julia Maesa AR 18mm, 3.0g, Rome 223-226 AD JVLIA MAESA AVG: draped bust right SAECVLT FELICITAS: Felicitas standing left holding patera over lit altar, and holding long caduceus ☆ in right field RIC 271 Please comment or share your Severans or Julias or what ev
Nice addition. I have several of her. Julia Maesa (218 - 225 A.D.) AR Denarius O: IVLIA MAESA AVG Draped bust right. R: IVNO Juno standing facing, head left, holding scepter and patera. 3.3g 20mm RIC 254 RSC 016 Julia Maesa (218 - 225 A.D.) AR Denarius O: IVLIA MAESA AVG, Draped bust right. R: FORTVNAE REDVCI Fecunditas standing left, raising hand over child and cornucopia. Rome 18.8m 3.1g RSC 14 Rare Engravers Error: This coin features Maesa's Fecunditas type, RIC 249 = RSC 8, and should have been labeled FECVNDITAS AVG. It implies that Maesa's FECVNDITAS AVG type and Elagabalus' FORTVNAE REDVCI type were being produced simultaneously, that is in 219 AD, the known date of the FORTVNAE REDVCI type. This error is not unpublished: Cohen 14 reports a specimen in Paris, RIC 252 takes it over from Cohen. About the 6th known of this type, found two other specimens with the same combination of type and legend, both from the same reverse die but feature a young Maesa bust. This type features the older bust type. Possibly unique to feature this particular bust. Scarcer denomination, AR Antoninianus Julia Maesa (218 - 225 A.D.) AR Antoninianus O: IVLIA MAESA AVG, Draped bust right, wearing stephane and set on crescent. R: PIETAS AVG, Pietas standing facing, head left, extending hand and holding acerrum; lighted and garlanded altar to lower left. Rome Mint 23mm 4.58g RIC IV(part 2), pg 50, #264 (Elagabalus).
I also find the Severan women fascinating. My Maesa has a similar jowly portrait style to the OP. RIC 268(?). Pudicitia seated left, drawing out veil from shoulder with right hand and holding sceptre in left.
Fascinating about that reverse type! I'll have to keep an eye out for it. Let's see. We've seen coins of Maesa with the Juno standing reverse, the Fortuna reverse, the Pudicitia seated reverse, and the Antoninianus with the Pietas standing reverse. I can contribute the following Maesa examples: Fecunditas seated, Antioch mint, RIC 380 var; RCV 7748 Fecunditas standing, Rome, RIC 249 Pietas standing, Rome, RIC 263 Sestertius, Rome, Pietas standing, RIC 414 Saeculi Felicitas standing, Rome, star in left field, RIC 272 Saeculi Felicitas standing, Rome, star in right field, RIC 271 And a few dynastic issues from Marcianopolis in Moesia Inferior: Elagabalus and Julia Maesa, Moushmov 674 Severus Alexander and Julia Maesa, Moushmov 747
A Mamea sestertius. Not a beauty winner. not had the opportunity to photo coins. The OP I've had a few months and grabbed a few early morning minutes to photo it.
Smojo, congrats on the gorgeous OP-winner (yummy) Sweet => we've got ourselves a good ol' Julia party, eh? (BYOJ) Julia Domna Julia Mamaea Ummm, oh and I have a severly altered example of J-Maesa (wanna see it?) Severus Alexander with Julia Maesa (c/s)
Sweet, okay then => I may have another Julia or two in the ol' safe (I'll go check) Ummm, how 'bout this sweet example of Julia Paula? Yup, you're right Smojo => you can't swing a dead emperor without hitting a Julia coin, eh? (cool thread)
that does happen Smojo. i experienced it today myself on a lady of Rome. here's the gals i have gotten since being influenced by my peeps here in cointalk in the last couple of months
Cool, I started this little Empress thing last October/November. I'm at 14 now but it's not my only focus. To know me I'm easily side tracked, or I atleast like to many things. I buy 3 or 4 provencials a few Greek or maybe Roman Republic coins to 1 or 2 Empresses. I try to take my time on any collecting focus. I hate to pay retail and tend to hold out for the better bargain. As do many of us I assume.
Ya know depending on what part of Mizzura your from we're not that far apart. We didn't this year but we usually get to KC once or twice a year for nascar races. Also have a friend in harrisburg or something like that.
Ok this has been a great thread. Thanks to those who partook and shared your coins with us. I now know of a few examples I can put my radar toward. But , but I have othea to shars as well