Lot 4780

Description

Julia Soaemias, mother of Elagabalus, (218-222 A.D.), silver denarius, Rome Mint, (3.24 g),obv. Bust draped to right of Julia Soaemias, hair with sloping waves, IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVG around, rev. VENVS CAELESTIS around, Venus seated to left on throne, holding apple and sceptre; in front, child standing to right, raising both hands, (S.7720, RIC 243, BMC 55-60, RSC 14); another, Rome Mint, (3.18 g), obv. Bust draped to right of Julia Soaemias, hair with sloping waves, IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVG around, rev. VENVS CAELESTIS around, Venus standing to half left, holding apple and sceptre, to right a star in field, (S.7719, RIC 241, BMC 45, RSC 8); Annia Faustina, third wife of Elagabalus, (type issued 220 A.D.), FORGERY of silver denarius, Rome Mint, (2.83 g), obv. Bust draped to right of Annia Faustina, hair with vertical waves, ANNIA FAVSTINA AVGVSTA around, rev. CONCORDIA around, Elagabalus and Annia Faustina, hand in hand, star between them, (cf.S.7700, RIC 233, BMC p.570*, RSC 1a). Very fine. (3)

Ex Dr V.J.A. Flynn Collection and previously from Noble Numismatics Sale 107 (lot 3830) and also coming from an old Hungarian collection.
The Annia Faustina is described in the original sheets as a Becker Forgery, but is not by Becker and of poorer style than his work, particularly in the lettering. A Pressure cast forgery probably made in the 19th century.