The Severan period--Those Julia's woah

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Smojo, Jun 4, 2017.

  1. Smojo

    Smojo dreamliner

    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.

    JVLIAMAESA-Felicitas[RIC271]79-10-R.jpg
    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 :)
     
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  3. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Nice addition.

    I have several of her.

    [​IMG]
    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

    [​IMG]
    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

    [​IMG]
    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).
     
  4. Severus Alexander

    Severus Alexander find me at NumisForums

    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.
    Screen Shot 2017-06-04 at 12.52.01 PM.png
     
  5. Mikey Zee

    Mikey Zee Delenda Est Carthago

    Super posts!!!

    I'll throw in a few Julia's---- Maesa, Mamaea and a Soemias:

    Julia Maesa obverse.jpg Julia Maesa reverse.jpg Julia mamaea sestertius.JPG jUlia soemias obverse.JPG julia soemias reverse denarius.jpg
     
  6. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    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:
    Maesa Fecunditas seated.jpg
    Fecunditas seated, Antioch mint, RIC 380 var; RCV 7748

    Maesa Fecunditas Standing.jpg
    Fecunditas standing, Rome, RIC 249

    Maesa Pietas Denarius.jpg
    Pietas standing, Rome, RIC 263

    Maesa Pietas Sestertius.jpg
    Sestertius, Rome, Pietas standing, RIC 414

    Maesa Saeculi Felicitas Denarius 2.jpg
    Saeculi Felicitas standing, Rome, star in left field, RIC 272

    Maesa Saeculi Felicitas Denarius.jpg
    Saeculi Felicitas standing, Rome, star in right field, RIC 271


    And a few dynastic issues from Marcianopolis in Moesia Inferior:
    Elagabalus and Maesa Marcianopolis.jpg
    Elagabalus and Julia Maesa, Moushmov 674

    Severus Alexander and Maesa Marcianopolis.jpg
    Severus Alexander and Julia Maesa, Moushmov 747
     
  7. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    Julia Mamaea
    Julia Mamaea 3.jpg
    Julia Domna
    Julia Domna 3.jpg
    Julia Maesa
    Julia Maesa 1.jpg
     
  8. Smojo

    Smojo dreamliner

    A Mamea sestertius.
    Not a beauty winner. Julia Mamea Sestertius.jpg 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.
     
  9. Smojo

    Smojo dreamliner

    A Herennia with the reverse if your Maesa
    HERENNIA ESTRUSCILLA[RIC59b]76-9-R.jpg
    Not Severan I know, but
     
  10. icerain

    icerain Mastir spellyr

    I actually don't have a Julia Maesa coin. Do have a few other Julia coins though.
     
    gregarious likes this.
  11. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    Smojo, congrats on the gorgeous OP-winner (yummy)

    Sweet => we've got ourselves a good ol' Julia party, eh? (BYOJ)


    Julia Domna
    Julia Domna too.jpg


    Julia Mamaea

    Julia Mamaea.jpg

    Ummm, oh and I have a severly altered example of J-Maesa (wanna see it?)

    Severus Alexander with Julia Maesa (c/s)
    Cilicia Ninica-Claudiopolis.jpg

    :rolleyes:
     
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2017
  12. Smojo

    Smojo dreamliner

    Post any Severan or Julia or it don't matter.
    I put up a Herrenia just to show the simular reverse.
     
  13. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    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?

    Julia Paula AR Denarius.jpg

    :rolleyes:

    Yup, you're right Smojo => you can't swing a dead emperor without hitting a Julia coin, eh? (cool thread)
     
  14. Smojo

    Smojo dreamliner

    Sweet Paula.
    I almost had one last week but yep I got out bid :banghead:
     
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  15. gregarious

    gregarious E Pluribus Unum

    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:) Otacilia sest. new empress coins rocks 006.JPG epheus bee coin julia domna denarius 006.JPG
     
  16. Smojo

    Smojo dreamliner

    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.
     
  17. gregarious

    gregarious E Pluribus Unum

    true dat sir! i get da gals, but also be lQQkin'@(and gettin' a few) other coins too^^
     
  18. Smojo

    Smojo dreamliner

    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.
     
  19. Ranmma

    Ranmma New Member

    ROMAN? GREEK?
     

    Attached Files:

  20. Smojo

    Smojo dreamliner

    Neither. Looks like a modern charm thing
    Pretty though
     
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2017
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  21. Smojo

    Smojo dreamliner

    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 g95Y3Wczbp9HL7Ca4BjAt8rMNqZ2P6.jpg , but I have othea to shars as well
     
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