Julia Domna. Denarius

Julia Domna; Rome, 212-214 AD, Denarius, 3.13g. Cf. BM-2, pl. 67.6. Obv: IVLIA PIA - FELIX AVG, Bust draped r., small knot in hair. Rx: DIANA LVCIFERA around, Diana standing r., head l., holding torch with both hsnd. Ex Curtis L. Clay Collection; acquired from Harlan Berk, Oct. 1996. A scarce early appearance of Julia Domna's coiffure with small, low hair knot on a denarius of 212-214 AD. Generally, that hairdo was introduced in 207 and lasted until Julia's death in 217, but on Julia's Rome-mint denarii her earlier portrait with large bun oddly remained in use until 215, and was only occasionally replaced by the new portrait with small hair knot, as on her DIANA LVCIFERA denarius in this lot.. MS