Roman Empire: silver denarius of Julia Mamaea, mother of Severus Alexander, struck ca. 222-235 AD

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That's a lovely denarius, @lordmarcovan ! Lovely portrait. And Felicitas ...



Here's one in my own collection. My Felicitas doesn't show as much leg:

 

I like the colour on your Julia Mamae , I give it an 7 , congrats.

Here's mine:

 

Nice capture, @lordmarcovan ... the toning is great in that pic.

My only Mamaea


RI Julia Mamaea AR denarius Pietas incense altar perfume Seaby 48

 

Lovely coin, lordmarcovan. A particularly expressive portrait puts this one in the top category, as far as I am concerned.

I have a really dreadful version of it, possibly somewhat redeemed by what possibly could be a damnatio memoriae - note the mutilation of her face. Or maybe not - it could be just random damage.

Adding to the ugliness, it seems to be a limes version in base metal.



Julia Mamaea Æ Denarius
(Mother of Severus Alex.)
(222-235 A.D.)
Rome Mint
IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, diademed & draped bust right / FELICITAS PVBLICA, Felicitas standing, holding caduceus, arm on column.
RIC 335; RSC 17; BMC 483
(2.44 grams / 19 mm)

Possible Damnatio Memoriae Julia Mamaea, after she was murdered with her son Severus Alexander, was blamed for bad management, greed, meddling, etc. Therefore, according to Livius.org "The Senate pronounced a damnatio memoriae over Mamaea."

 

I find this coin very interesting for its propaganda value. The remnants of the Severan-Emesan Dynasty were trying to restore their image after the horrendous reign of Elagabalus. Issuing coins with Felicitas is one way of doing it. The celators took great care in crafting the images of Julia Mamaea & Severus Alexander. Your denarius is a great example . I have a sestertius with the same design that's been posted before, but will post again for comparison .

 

Wonderful coin LM, thanks for sharing.
I am not a big fan of grading ancient coins, but since you asked I voted 8. I would give your obverse a 10. The reverse drops the grade. It looks to be well preserved and well struck from a die that had problems with Felicitas face and caduceus. I would call this a Harry Potter reverse.

 

Julia Mamaea Ae Sestertius RIC 676 Rv. Felicitas standing left 228 A.D. 24.86 grms 30 mm Photo by W. Hansen

 

She's got legs video and coin with legs. lol Thanks for cheering me up.

 

82. Julia Mamaea (mother of Severus Alexander), AR Denarius. Obv. Bust draped right wearing diadem (stephane), IVLIA MAMAEA AVG/ Rev. Venus stdg. front, head left, holding helmet & scepter, shield leans against her at left. VENVS VICTRIX. RIC IV-2 358, RSC III 76 (ill.), Sear RCV II 8216 (ill.), BMCRE 713. 20.5 mm., 2.88 g.

 

So did I .

 

VERY cool patina!