Julia Maesa, denarius, silver, reign 218–222, minted 218–222

Julia Maesa, denarius, silver, reign 218–222, minted 218–222, weight 3.20 g, diameter 19 mm. Obverse: Draped bust right, legend IVLIA MAESA AVG. Reverse: Pudicitia, draped, seated left, drawing veil over face with right hand and holding sceptre in left hand, legend PVDICITIA. Strike: well-centered strike with full detail visible; toning: light even toning across fields. References: RIC IV Elagabalus 268; minted under authority of her grandson Elagabalus. Julia Maesa was the grandmother of emperors Elagabalus and Alexander Severus and a key figure in the Severan dynasty. This denarius was struck at Rome during Elagabalus’ reign and carried her portrait and titles. The reverse type depicting Pudicitia was a common personification in Roman imperial coinage, symbolizing modesty and virtue, and reflected the propaganda needs of the Severan court. Coins of Julia Maesa are significant for illustrating the political influence she held during the transition of power in 218 CE, when she successfully installed Elagabalus as emperor after the assassination of Macrinus.