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Bronze - Æ 25-26 mm – 15,1 grams - Die axis 102:00 - Struck AD 247-248.
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1. |
MARCIA OTACI-LIA SE-VERA AVG (Marcia Otacilia Severa Augusta).
Laureate bust of draped and diademed empress facing right.
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2. |
PROVINCIA DA-CIA (Provincia Dacia - Province of Dacia).
Dacia standing full front, facing left in long chiton and Phrygian cap. In her right arm holding the standard of the legion V (with its symbol the eagle at that side at her feet). In her left arm the standard of legion XIII (with its symbol the lion at that side at her feet). Wearing sword at her left side or logobolon ?
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2.b |
AN II (Possibly An•II): Year 2 (Year 2 of obtaining provincial status). AN II is AD 247-248
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Coin is quite flat and very thick in patina, therefore hard to scan.
Marcia Otacilia Severa was the wife of Emperor Marcus Julius Philippus. Severa was a member of the ancient gens Otacilius who were people of consular and senatorial rank. Severa’s father was Otacilius Severus or Severianus, who served as Roman Governor of Macedonia and Moesia, while her mother was a member of gens Marcius or was related to the gens. Her brother Severianus served as Roman Governor of Lower Moesia between 246-247.
Little is known on her life before marrying Philip. In 234, Severa married Philip who then served in the Praetorian Guard under Emperor Alexander Severus. Severa had two children with Philip: a son named Marcus Julius Philippus (II) Severus (born in 238) and a daughter called Julia Severa or Severina, who was never mentioned by the ancient Roman sources.
When in February 244 Gordian III was killed in Mesopotamia. (Severa was possibly involved) Philip became the new emperor. Philip then gave Severa the honorific title of Augusta. Philippus II was made heir. Severa was possibly a Christian and she and Philip ceased the persecutions of Christians.
When Decius became the new emperor in August 249 Severa was in Rome. Subsequently Severa’s son was murdered in her arms by the Praetorian Guard. Severa survived her husband and son and lived later in obscurity. Her later life is unknown.
Minted for the Provincia Dacia.
Obv. : Thick patina - Rev. : Thick patina. |
