Ancient Roman silver denarius of Julia Domna / Cybele

Code: 11851

This is an ancient Roman silver denarius, of empress Julia Domna the wife of Emperor Septimius Severus, mother to her sons Emperors Caracalla and Geta. This coin was minted at Rome in 212 AD. 

Obverse: IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, "Julia, the pious, fortunate, and venerable." Bust of Julia Domna, hair elaborately waved in ridges and turned up low at the back, draped, right.

Reverse: MATRI DEVM, "Mother of the gods (Cybele)" Cybele, towered, draped, standing front, head left, holding drum in right hand and resting left arm on column; at feet, left, lion.

CULTURE: ROMAN

DENOMINATION: Denarius

MATERIAL: Silver

DATE: 190 - 217 AD (this coin minted in 212 AD)

SIZE: 18.6mm dia

WEIGHT: 2.90 grams

ATTRIBUTION: (RCV 2000 Edition) Number 7104, RIC 382 [Caracalla], RSC 137, BMC 14

PROVENANCE: Private collection. Cologne, Germany.