Julia Domna, Denarius, silver, reign 196-211, minted 196-211

Julia Domna, Denarius, silver, reign 196-211, minted 196-211, weight 3.20 g, diameter 18 mm. Obverse: Draped bust right, legend IVLIA AVGVSTA. Reverse: Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus in right hand and sceptre in left, legend FELICITAS. Strike: Centered strike with full flan. Toning: Light cabinet toning with some surface smoothness. References: RIC IV Septimius Severus 551. Minted in Rome under the authority of Septimius Severus. Julia Domna was the wife of Septimius Severus and held the title of Augusta from 193 until her death in 217. This denarius was issued during her tenure as empress, between 196 and 211, and depicts the goddess Felicitas on the reverse, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune under the Severan dynasty. Coins of Julia Domna formed part of imperial propaganda, reinforcing the dynasty’s legitimacy and the role of the empress in promoting stability within the empire. The Rome mint produced large quantities of such denarii for circulation across the empire during this period.