I recently 'tripped' over this coin, and I decided to add it to my collection, not because it is a 'great' coin, (because it isn't), but because before I saw it, I had never consciously been aware of her. Orbiana, (briefly) the wife of Severus Alexander. Orbiana was born to influential Roman Senator Seius Sallustius in the early third century CE. In August 225, at about the age of 16 years, she wed Roman Emperor Severus Alexander in an arrangement organized by the emperor's mother, Julia Mamaea. After Orbiana was given the title of Augusta, Mamaea grew jealous, due to her desire for complete ownership of all feminine imperial titles, and the strong bond that developed between Orbiana and Severus. She treated Orbiana cruelly, forcing her to seek refuge with her father, Sallustius, who is believed to had been appointed as a Caesar. Sallustius consulted with the Praetorian Guard for protection of Orbiana, but the act was determined to be treasonous. In August 227, Sallustius was executed, and Orbiana was stripped of her title, divorced and exiled to the province of Libya in North Africa. Severus Alexander had the power to intervene, but chose not to. He and his mother later died during the usurpation by Maximinus Thrax in 235, ending the Severan dynasty.(Courtesy of Wikipedia) Silver Denarius of 'Orbiana' c. 225 A.D. AR18 mm maximum diameter, 1.82 grams. Obverse; SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG. Diademed, draped bust right. Reverse; CONCORDIA AVGG. Concordia seated left on the throne, holding patera and double cornucopiae References; RIC IV 319, RCV 8191. RSC 1 Prov. Ex Turner Collection, Ex-Denant UK, Rare Type. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.
Cool addition. I've posted mine many times. Orbiana (225 - 227 A.D.) AR Denarius O: SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, draped bust right. R: CONCORDIA AVGG,Concordia seated left holding double cornucopia and patera. Rome 19mm 3.8g RIC IV 319, RSC III 1, BMCRE VI 287, SRCV II 8191
@Topcat7 Nice posting and great coin, congrats! A shame about her story...thanks for the history. I am starting to collect the Empresses and I happen to have her: RI Orbiana w Severus Alexander Augusta 225-227 CE Æ AS 23 mm 8.75g Rome Concordia patera double cornucopiae RIC 656
Very cool OP !! Terrific posts guys!! She is still one of several 'ladies' I need to acquire one of these days.
another lady i don't have. ...on the list. here's one of favorite coins of her one time husband, it isn't a "great" coin either... but it feels that way in hand....
I always had the hots for Orbiana. Denarius Rome mint, AD 225 3.47 gm; 19.1 mm Obv: SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diademed and draped bust, r. Rev: CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia enthroned l., holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC 319; Sear 8191; BMCRE 287; Cohen 1 Fouree denarius AD 232?? 2.45 gm; 18.7 mm Obv: SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diademed and draped bust, r. Rev: FECVND AVGVSTAE, Fecunditas seated l., reaching out to child. (This is not an official reverse type of Orbiana; rather, it appears to be the reverse of a denarius of Julia Mamaea, RIC 332, issued in AD 232) Middle bronze Rome mint, AD 225 11.43 gm; 24.5 mm Obv: SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diademed and draped bust, r. Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVSTORVM SC, Concordia enthroned l., holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC 656; Sear 8195; BMCRE 297; Cohen 5 Sestertius Rome mint, AD 225 20.02 gm; 28.5 mm Obv: SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, diademed and draped bust, r. Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVSTORVM SC, Alexander r. and Orbiana l., standing, facing each other, clasping r. hands. RIC 657; Sear 8194; BMCRE 229; Cohen 6
