The reverse inscription MAT AVGG MAT SEN M PATR is an abbreviated form of the title, Mater Augustorum, Mater Senatus, Mater Patriae, which had never before been conferred on any empress. It is translated as "Mother of the Emperors, Mother of the Senate, Mother of the Country." The way the figure of Julia Domna is stylized (holding a branch and scepter), in conjunction with her remarkable titles on the reverse, assimilates her to the great mother goddess, Cybele, implying that she is the counterpart on earth of the mother of the gods.[1] This depiction and titulature emphasize the extraordinary political influence enjoyed by Julia Domna in the period following the death of her husband, Septimius Severus.[2] Denarii with this reverse inscription were issued depicting Julia standing as well as enthroned. Post anything you deem relevant! Here are the examples in my collection: Julia Domna, AD 193-217. Roman AR Denarius, 2.93 g, 20.3 mm, 6 h. Rome, AD 211-217. Obv: IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, bare-headed and draped bust, right. Rev: MAT AVGG MAT SEN M PATR, Julia standing left, holding olive branch and scepter Refs: RIC 380; BMCRE 11; RSC 114; RCV 7102, Hill 1244; Temeryazev & Makarenko 357. Julia Domna, AD 193-217 Roman AR Denarius, 3.17 g, 19.2 mm, 12 h. Rome, AD 211-217. Obv: IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, bare-headed and draped bust, right Rev: MAT AVGG MAT SEN M PATR, Julia seated left, holding olive branch and scepter Refs: RIC 381; BMCRE 12-13; RSC 111; RCV 7103, Hill 1265; Temeryazev & Makarenko 358. 1. Mattingly, RIC IV, part 1, p. 89 2. Sear, RCV, p. 551
I like the types because they are unique to Julia Domna. As you may know, I have a web site which discusses maybe 100 such types in quiz format (I show the reverse which links to another page with both sides and discussion): http://augustuscoins.com/ed/unique/unique.html Here are my two like those of @Roman Collector : Julia Domna. 20-19 mm. 3.29 grams. RIC 380 (under Caracalla). Sear II 7102. Julia Domna. 18 mm. 3.62 grams. RIC 381. Sear II 7103.
Count me in as a fan of the type. JULIA DOMNA AR Denarius. 2.93g, 20.3mm. Rome mint, AD 211 (under Caracalla). RIC IV (Caracalla) 381. O: IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, draped bust right; hair waved vertically and fastened in large bun on back; five ridges. R: MAT AVGG MAT SEN M PATR, Julia Domna seated left, holding branch extended in right hand, sceptre transverse, pointing up to right, in left. Ex A.K. Collection (Triton XX, 9 Jan 17, Part of Lot 614); ex stock Münzen und Medaillen Basel 1969
Clearly a type of the joint reign of Caracalla and Geta in 211, since the titles PIA FELIX were apparently only added to Domna's coins when Septimius died in February 211, and she cannot have been called MATER AVGG, Mother of Two Augusti, after Caracalla had Geta assassinated and condemned his memory in December 211. Note the differing identities of the two ladies on the reverse: the seated figure is Domna herself with ridges in her hair, while the standing figure has the typical hairstyle of a goddess, so should perhaps be called Pax.
