Denomination: Silver denarius

Period: Roman empire under Emperor Septimius Severus

Date: AD 204

Origin: Rome mint

Condition: Fine/AVF, surface roughness

Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust, right

Reverse: PIETAS AVGG, Pietas standing, left, sacrificing  over altar and holding incense box

Size and Weight: 18mm, 3.05g

References: RIC 572, Spink 6600

Features and Provenance: Born in Syria around AD 160, Julia was the daughter of the high Priest of Baal, Julius Bassianus (of the Temple of Elagabalus fame) and sister to Julia Maesa. Through her families associations she was by all accounts a very wealth woman. After losing his first wife, Septimius Severus, not yet on the throne, was told by a fortune-teller that he was to marry a Syrian woman who would marry a king, so he sought her out. They were married in AD 187. He became emperor in 193 and the marriage proved happy and successful, producing two sons, Lucius (Caracalla) and Geta. She appears to have been by his side constantly, even on military campaigns and she was well liked by all. She is famous for her hairstyles (evident in her coinage) and she introduced wearing wigs to Rome. Sadly, she is believed to have committed suicide rather than be caught up in a rebellion, but she may have had breast cancer, at this point, which could have hastened her decision.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible