Description
This coin is a Roman Imperial silver denarius, minted circa 193-211 AD. The obverse depicts the draped bust of Julia Domna and the inscription IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG. The reverse depicts the goddess Cybele standing left, leaning on a column, holding a drum and scepter with a lion at her foot, with the inscription MATRI DEVM.
Julia Domna (160-217 CE) was a Syrian-born Roman empress during the reign of her husband, Roman emperor Septimius Severus. She was also the mother of the emperors Geta and Caracalla, whom she persuaded to accept joint rule after Severus’ death, per the latter’s wishes. Julia was well-read and politically astute and she was a well-known figure in imperial politics, especially after the death of her husband. Julia supported and consulted with artists, thinkers, and scholars in many fields, creating an influential circle at court devoted to the advancement of philosophy.
