Roman Imperial | Ulpia Severina | BI Antoninianus | Antioch

Description: Ulpia Severina | BI Antoninianus Reference: RIC V.1 20 Date: 275 CE Obverse: SEVERINA AVG; bust, diademed, draped, on crescent, right Reverse: CONCORDIAE MILITVM; Concordia, draped, standing left, holding ensign in each hand. Control mark "P" at angle in lower left field. [XXI] in exergue Mint: Antioch Size: 23.6 mm Weight: 4.05 grams INTERREGNUM ISSUE OF SEVERINA AS DOWAGER EMPRESS. The coinage of Ulpia Severina, the wife of Aurelian has long been of interest to numismatists and historians alike. Severina seems to have assumed the title of Augusta in mid-274 CE as all of her imperial coins bear the XXI hallmark of Aurelian's second monetary reform. Furthermore, all of the Alexandrian tetradrachms of Severina bear regnal years 6 and 7. Aurelian was murdered in late September 275 CE and his successor, Tacitus, wasn't elevated by the Senate (!!!) until December 275 CE. So who was on the imperial throne for the intervening months? The numismatics of the time period seem to indicate that Severina served as a temporary regent during this time period. First, the post-second reform CONCORDIAE MILITVM (this coin) issue was only struck for Severina and not Aurelian. Furthermore, this reverse legend is commonly associated with emperors and only appears on the coins of one Augusta: Ulpia Severina. This coin type was probably struck in the name of the dowager empress in order to retain the loyalty of the soldiers during a potentially volitile period. Second, a rare coin struck at Antioch assigns the unsual title "Pia Felix Augusta" to Severina; and the reverse of these coins contain the legend CONCORDIA AVG instead of CONCORDIA AVGG, as seen on earlier types. A change in the control marks used at Antioch appears to confirm that these odd coins were struck very close the initial issues of Tacitus. Third, the regnal year 7 (Z) Alexandrian coinage of Aurelian is relatively scarce compared to that of Severina. Since, the Alexandrian year began on August 29th this would've left less than a month (plus the time required for news to spread) of production for Aurelian tetradrachms; while if Severina retained the imperial position tetradrachms bearing her name could've continued to be struck for several more months. Some silvering remaining, reverse is struck with worn dies. The Aurelianic control mark XXI is not readily visible in the exergue although a very faint trace of a single X can be seen at 7 o'clock. Overall a very nice coin with great historical significance. Policies I apply the highest ethical standards in selling ancient coins. All coins are guaranteed to be genuine and any item found to be otherwise may be returned for a full refund. The most important thing is that you are happy with your new coin(s)! All coins are shipped in PVC-free, archival-grade coin flips and inserts made of acid-free paper Domestic (USA) shipping only If you purchase multiple items please message me before you pay and I will combine the shipping for you. I accept all returns within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the item. No explanation is required for the return, but it would be appreciated. Any item which has been altered from its original state may not be returned. Don't see what you're looking for? Just shoot me a message, I might have it but haven't gotten around to listing it!

Price: 54.99 USD

Location: Canton, Michigan

End Time: 2024-12-14T22:04:01.000Z

Shipping Cost: 6 USD