Julia Maesa, 218-222, Denarius

Julia Maesa, Denarius, Silver, 218-222 CE, Rome Mint. Weight: 3.11g, Diameter: 19mm. Obverse features the inscription IVLIA MAESA AVG surrounding a draped bust of Julia Maesa facing right. The reverse depicts Pudicitia seated left, holding a scepter with the legend PVDICITIA. The coin exhibits a well-centered strike with fine detail, typical for issues under Elagabalus. Cataloged as RIC IV Elagabalus 268.

Julia Maesa played a critical role in Roman history as the grandmother of Emperors Elagabalus and Severus Alexander. Her influence was pivotal following the assassination of her nephew, Emperor Caracalla, and she was instrumental in instigating Elagabalus' rise to power. Julia Maesa's political acumen not only secured her family’s dynastic position but also contributed to the stabilization of the Severan dynasty during a tumultuous period in Roman history.