Lot 3645

Description

Julia Paula (wife of Elagabalus), (A.D. 219), silver denarius, (2.516 grams), obv. draped bust of Julia Paula to right, around IVLIA PAVLA AVG, rev. Female (Pax) standing to left holding baton (or branch) and sceptre, around P M TR P II COS P P, (S.-, RIC -, RSC.-). Appears to be plated, otherwise very fine and probably unique, being an unpublished reverse for Elagabalus and for his second wife Julia Paula.

A most interesting reverse for Julia Paula. It was probably based on a unpublished reverse type of Elagabalus although the Imperial titles are not consistent for Elagabalus and the reverse appears unknown for this ruler. Such a reverse would never be used by a wife of a ruler and could only occur by mixing of dies (known foe some rulers and issues). We believe it to be an ancient plated forgery made from two incompatable dies of very good style.