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HUGE ROMAN SESTERTIUS OF JULIA MAMAEA COIN PENDANT IN 14KY GOLD 235 A.D. To date, this is THE largest Roman coin I have ever mounted and regardless of size, it is probably one of the finest and most beautiful ancient Roman bronze coins you will see. This huge coin is a genuine bronze Sestertius of Julia Mamaea. It is truly a masterpiece of ancient Roman workmanship and features not only stunning preservation and detail but a warm copper and chocolate patina highlighted by green, the most-coveted patina an ancient bronze coin could offer. Set in a large shrimp design 14KY high polish gold pendant, this is definitely one of the most impressive works of ancient coin jewelry I have ever offered. Rare and of uncommon quality. This is a thick issue coin that offers a very realistic and accurate portrait not just of Mamaea but of Roman hair and clothing style. RECOMMENDED!!! The sestertius was a big bronze coin of the later Roman republic and early Roman empire. These big coins gave the engraver a lot of surface area. Obverse portraits were detailed and lifelike. The reverse images could transmit complex themes and ideas. The sestertius was the primary denomination of accounting in Roman business. Payment made in silver denarii or even in gold would always be counted in sestertii. The value conversion was one sestertius equaled a fourth of a silver denarius. There were 100 sestertii to an imperial aureus, the primary Roman gold coin of ancient times. Born
in Syria to Julius Avitus and Julia Maesa, Julia Mamaea ruled the Roman
Empire for 13 years through her son Severus Alexander during his reign.
Her maternal aunt was Julia Domna, the wife of Septimius Severus.
Her older sister was Julia Soaemias, the mother of Elagabalus. Unlike
her sister, Julia Mamaea was reported to be a virtuous woman, never
involved in scandals. As a
member of the Imperial Roman family, she watched the death of her cousin
Caracalla and the ascent to power of her nephew Elagabalus, the oldest
grandson of Julia Maesa and her choice to the throne. Eventually,
Elagabalus and his mother Julia Soaemias proved incompetent rulers and
favour fell on Alexander, Julia's son. On
March 6, 222 AD, her fourteen-year-old son, Varius Alexianus (renamed
Severus Alexander), was declared Augustus and Julia Mamaea as Augusta
after Elagabalus' murder. Her ambition and strictness completely
dominated her son Alexander but his reign was successful due to his
intelligence and exemplary character.
In
his adulthood, Alexander confirmed his esteem for his mother and named her
consors imperii (imperial consort). It
was in this condition that she accompanied her son in his campaigns: a
custom started with Julia Domna (Septimus Severus’ wife). After
several years of a peaceful rule, he was forced to join his troops to
repel increasing attacks by invaders in West Central Europe. While
in the field, he and his mother, Mamaea, were murdered in Mainz, Germany
by a band of mutinous Pannonian troops on March 22, 235. Overall diameter is IMPRESSIVELY LARGE at 36mm! CPR022 SOLD *if desired, add $225 for chain shown, a 16" 4 mm 14K yellow gold Rolo chain. |
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