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Iulia Soaemias Bassiana Augusta
“Venus Caelestis – Heavenly Venus” Julia Bassiana was the daughter of Julia Maesa and the Syrian Gaius Julius Avitus Alexianus, and the cousin of Emperor Caracalla. Her husband was Sextus Varius Marcellus, and her sister was Julia Mamaea (the mother of Emperor Alexander Severus). After the assassination of Caracalla and the outbreak of the rebellion against Macrinus, she, along with her mother, instigated a revolt on May 15, 218 AD, leading to the restoration of the Severan dynasty (her son, Elogabalus, became emperor, who was rumored to be the natural son of Caracalla). During his reign, Elogabalus focused mainly on entertainment and orgies, while practical power in the country was held by his mother and grandmother.
She was murdered by the Praetorians along with Elogabalus and his lover, Hierocles.
Denomination: Denarius, Ag
Obverse: Draped bust of Julia Soaemias to right, IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVG
Reverse: Venus seated left, holding apple and sceptre; at left, child reaches up to her, VENVS CAELESTIS
Mint: Rome, 218-220 A.D.
Weight: 2,17 g
Diameter: 19mm
Provenance: Savoca Coins
Reference : 28.3 RIC IV 243, RSC 14
Collection : IMPERIUM ROMANUM 04 - Severus