I'd been looking for a nice denarius of Julia Domna to add to my collection. They're quite common generally, but I am picky about portrait style and most JD portraits seem a little too harsh (who can blame her, with a son like Caracalla!) Just recently, though, I had the chance to buy this coin, which features one of the most charming portraits of Julia Domna I've seen yet: JULIA DOMNA as Augusta, AD 193-211 AR Denarius (19.61mm, 3.10g, 6h) Struck AD 198. Rome mint Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust of Julia Domna right Reverse: MATER DEVM, Cybele, turreted, seated left on throne flanked by two lions, holding branch and resting on drum References: RIC IV 564 (S), RCV 6593 A scarce type, lightly toned, with an attractive portrait. The reverse is also an interesting type, depicting Cybele the mother goddess (MATER DEVM), an ancient Phrygian deity.
That's a beautiful, lovely coin! I have a denarius of Julia Domna but with a PVDICITA reverse (your reverse and portrait look more elegant imo).
Very nice selections of the JD coins! I have two. The first has a great Obv portrait, but the reverse is rather dull. The details of the portrait really drew me to the coin. The second was thrown in as a gift with others bought from the same dealer. Behold: greenbook background. Septimius Severus 196-211 AR Denarius 3.23G, 20MM Julia Domna Obv. IVLIA AVGVSTA Rev. MATER DEVM RIC IVa 564, Cohen 123 This one is more worn. Septimius Severus 296-211 AR Denarius 3.19g, 19ish mm Julia Domna Obv. IVLIA AVGVSTA Rev. HILARITAS RIC IVa 556, Cohen 72
I have a couple pieces. This one is too dark, but the design is fun with the lions pulling a chariot. Denarius of Julia Domna, Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA “Julia augusta” Reverse: MATER AVGG “Mother of augustus.” Cybele seated in cart pulled by lions. Sear 6592 This is my better one. Denarius of Julia Domna, Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA “Julia augusta” Reverse: SAECVLI FELICITAS “Happy age.” The goddess Isis nursing her son, Horus. Sear 6606 Isis was ancient Egyptian goddess of fertility. In addition she was the goddess of motherhood, magic, death healing and rebirth. It is interesting to see an Egyptian goddess on a Roman coin.
