Lot 3847

Description

Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, mother of Caracalla (AD 211-217). bronze sestertius (28.90gm), Rome, issued 214, obv. IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, diademed, draped bust of Julia Domna to left, rev. VESTA SC, four Vestals sacrificing before temple of Vesta, (S.7124, RIC (Caracalla) 594b [R21]). BMCRE (Caracalla) p.471. C.252). Good fine/fine and very rare with a dark brown patina.

Ex CNG with their ticket. No examples recorded sold in recent years. The temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum had been restored by Julia Domna some years earlier following its destruction by fire in the reign of Commodus. This very rare issue commemorates illustrates voiws being taken for Caracalla's recovery from illness. (see note S.p.552).