Ancient Coins and Numismatic Books

Roman Imperial coins, Julia Domna (Augusta 193-217), Aureus, Rome, c. 196, IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, rev. DIANA LVCIFERA, Diana standing left, crescent on neck, holding torch with both hands, 7.18g/11h (RIC 548; Hill 193; BMC 159; Calicó 2609). Extremely fine and sharply struck, rare £7,500-8,500

Julia, daughter of Bassianus, the high priest at Emesa in Syria, married Severus while he was governor of Gallia Lugdunensis. The marriage was especially desirable since her horoscope foretold that her husband would become emperor