Owner Comments:
Few details of the life of Ulpia Severina, wife of Emperor Aurelian, were ever recorded. Most of what is known about her has been gleaned from her coinage. Therein, the epithets reflecting her various titles include PIA (pious), MATER CASTRORVM ET PATRIAE (mother of the barracks, senate and country), and of course, AVG (Augusta or Empress), as on the obverse of this coin. She is represented in typical fashion for an Augusta of the period, with a very stern look, and a stephane worn proudly on her head. The imagery projected, almost mannish, is not too dissimilar to that compared to her husband’s coins (for example, see the obverse of the Aurelian aurelianianus in this NGC Ancients Custom Set).
The reverse of this coin depicts Concordia, the goddess embodying agreement and harmony, with the words CONCORDIA MILITVM to denote harmony between the imperial family and the military. This reverse motif is also shared on many coins featuring Aurelian, and also coins featuring the imperial couple together. Severina was apparently very popular and respected among the Roman Legions, donating her own money for their well-being when necessary, and, while campaigning with Aurelian, eschewing any special treatment and insisting on arrangements comparable to a common soldier.
When Aurelian was assassinated in 275 AD, he and Severina were childless, and it would be six months before the Senate would appoint the next Emperor. In the meantime, production of Severina’s coinage continued, and by all accounts, including her coin designs and inscriptions (which were very unusual to be associated with an Empress), Severina remained on the Throne. Therefore, she is considered the only woman to solely rule the entire Roman Empire.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Severina 274-275 AD, AR Antoninianus (4.20 g, 22 mm, 12h), NGC Grade: MS*, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Siscia mint, 4th office, 9th emission, Obverse: draped bust right, wearing stephane, set on crescent, SEVERINAE AVG, Reverse: Concordia standing, facing left, holding signum in each hand, IV to right, mintmark XXI, CONCORDIAE MILITVM, References: BN 954-5, Venera 8940-4, RIC V-1, Siscia 13.