THRACE, Pautalia. Julia Domna, Augusta AD 193-217.

THRACE, Pautalia. Julia Domna, Augusta AD 193-217.

AE 27 mm (12.70 g,?h). Struck circa AD 193-211.

Obverse: IOYΛIA ΔOMNA CEB – draped bust right, hair in waves tied in low bun, wearing stephane.

Reverse: OYΛΠIAC ΠAYTAΛIAC – Aphrodite standing facing, head left, in pudica pose: right hand raised to cover breast, left hand drawing drapery across body; at feet right, dolphin; to left, short column surmounted by globe. In exergue, TAΛIAC (part of ethnic).

References: cf. Moushmov 4157-4158 (Aphrodite standing in bashful pose, dolphin left and right, for Pautalia issues); cf. Varbanov 5297 (same reverse type for Plautilla, AD 202-205: "Aphrodite standing half-right in bashful pose, covering her nakedness, dolphin and globe on column to left and right"); unpublished in standard Varbanov for Julia Domna with this exact legend combination.

Condition: Near VF, dark brown patina with brassy highlights; edge split at 3 o'clock (as struck); reverse a little worn on torso but dolphin and column clearly visible.

Notes: Pautalia's Aphrodite types are local variants of the Capitoline Venus, popular at spa towns. Your 12.7g flan is typical for the middle bronze module struck under Septimius Severus