Ave!

Julia Maesa, Denarius, Felicitas Reverse

Silver Denarius; 18mm/3.0gm, Rome Mint, Struck by Elagabalus ca. 218 - 220 AD

Con/ A few minor inclusions, otherwise, about Extremely Fine; a sharp example with mint luster

OBV/ IVLIA MAESA AVG; Draped bust of Julia right.

Rev/ SAECVLI FELICITAS; Felicitas, standing left, holding patera and long caduceus, sacrificing above a lighted altar. This legend translates to "Era of Prosperity". Whoops, that was about to change...see below.

Ref/ RIC Volume IVb, 271

Seller's Note/ Julia Maesa was a real piece of work; she was the grandmother of Elagabalus and Severus Alexander, sister of Julia Domna, and mother of Julia Soaemias (mother of Elagabalus) and Julia Mamaea. After the death of Julia Domna, she became the matriarch of the Severan line and managed a successful legionary mutiny against Macrinus which swept Elagabalus to power in 218 AD. Embarrassed and fed up by the antics of Elagabalus, she forced another coup that deposed him and Julia Soaemias, in favor of her other grandson, Severus Alexander. Maesa died ca. 223-26 AD, after which she was then consecrated.