The denarius was an ancient silver coin that served as the backbone of Roman currency for over four centuries, first minted around 211 BC during the Second Punic War. Originally valued at ten bronze asses, this small silver coin became the standard wage unit throughout the empire. The coin usually weighed about 4 grams and featured the portrait of emperors or important political figures on the obverse. Right now, Roman Empire Julia Maesa AR Denarius Coins are available in Mint State condition at JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Arrives in a protective plastic slab!
• Issued by the Roman Empire in the 3rd century AD!
• Features a depiction of Julia Maesa!
• Contains .001 troy oz of actual silver content.
• Issued a grade of Mint State by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
• The obverse features a portrait of Julia Maesa.
• On the reverse is a design known as Pietas at altar.
• Please keep in mind that the exact appearance of each coin (shape, condition, wear, etc.) can vary from one piece to the next.

Each Roman Empire Julia Maesa AR Denarius Coin offered here is in Mint State condition. The coins are exceptionally preserved and offer remarkable sharpness in the designs. The coins have NGC Ancients grades for the strike and surface, with most specimens earning either 5/5 for both or 5/5 strike and 4/5 surface. Strike grades refer to the original elements at the time of striking, such as the centering of the design, the strength of the strike, and the evenness of the strike. Surface refers to post-production elements, like the coin’s luster, corrosion, and/or abrasions.

Julia Maesa was a formidable Syrian matriarch who orchestrated one of ancient Rome’s most dramatic political comebacks after her nephew, Emperor Caracalla’s assassination in 217 AD. When the unpopular Macrinus seized power, Maesa masterminded a brilliant coup by promoting her 14-year-old grandson Elagabalus as the illegitimate son of Caracalla, leveraging the Syrian legions’ loyalty and her family’s immense wealth to overthrow Macrinus in 218 AD. 

The obverse of the Roman Empire Julia Maesa AR Denarius features a right-profile relief of Julia Maesa. As the power behind the throne, she effectively ruled the empire through two successive grandson-emperors, first Elagabalus and then Severus Alexander, demonstrating exceptional political acumen in navigating the treacherous waters of Roman imperial politics until her death around 224 AD.

On the reverse of Roman Empire Denarius Coins, it was common to display various propaganda messages, military victories, or divine symbols that communicated imperial power to every corner of the Roman world. In the case of this coin, the Pietas at altar design is used. This popular religious theme shows the Virgin Mary mourning the death of her son, Jesus Christ.

If you have any questions about ancient silver coins for sale, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.