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Coin, silver denarius, Julia Mamaea; 228 CE; 180.96.31

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleCoin, silver denarius, Julia Mamaea

About this objectJulia Avita Mamaea was the daughter of Julia Maesa and mother of Alexander Severus. She and her mother convinced the emperor Elagabalus (her nephew) to adopt Alexander Severus as his heir and make him Caesar. When 14-year-old Alexander became emperor in 222 CE, Julia Mamaea and her mother were named his regents, and Mamaea gained the title Augusta (empress). The two women controlled the young, weak ruler, holding the true power behind the throne. On her mother’s death, Julia Mamaea continued to exert her influence in the running of the Empire. At first she ruled effectively, and received the title 'consors imperii' (partner in rule, or imperial consort) which made her the first officially recognised empress of the Roman Empire.

Dating to 222 CE, this silver denarius shows a bust of Julia Mamaea with the title Augusta on the obverse. The waves of her hairstyle are still visible along with the diadem she wears. On the reverse is a full figure of Felicitas, in the role of Felicitas Publica, the personification of good fortune and happiness for the public. She stands, leaning casually on a column with her legs crossed, and holding a caduceus in her right hand. The caduceus, a staff with two snakes entwined around it, is a symbol of health. Felicitas is also often seen holding a cornucopia (horn of plenty), a symbol of abundance, representing the fortune and prosperity she could bestow.

Date Made228 CE

PeriodImperial (Roman)

Place NotesMint unknown

Medium and MaterialsMetal: Silver

Style and IconographyRoman

Inscription and MarksObverse:
IVLIA MAMAEA AVG
Julia Mamaea Augusta

Reverse:
FELICITAS PVBLICA
Felicitas Publica (Personification of good fortune and happiness of the public)

TechniqueStriking (metalworking)

MeasurementsWeight 3.0g
Diameter ca. 19mm

Subject and Association KeywordsGoddesses in art

Subject and Association KeywordsKings and rulers in art

Subject and Association KeywordsNumismatics

Subject and Association KeywordsWomen in art

Subject and Association KeywordsInscriptions, Latin

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LineDonated by M.K. Steven, 1996.

Object TypeExchange Media

Object number180.96.31