DIVA MARINIANA (253)

Egnatia Mariniana Augusta

"Juno's Peacock" Egnatia Mariniana was the wife of Roman Emperor Valerian I and the mother of Gallienus. Despite being the spouse of a relatively long-reigning ruler, she is almost entirely omitted by ancient authors, leaving much about her life shrouded in mystery. Recent research suggests that she belonged to the aristocratic Italian family of the Egnatii.

It is certain that she died before Valerian was proclaimed emperor. All coins issued in her name are consecration issues: they feature a veiled portrait (capite velato) on the obverse, and the reverse carries the legend CONSECRATIO, accompanied by depictions of a peacock (either standing or in flight), symbolizing eternity and posthumous existence.

Obverse: Veiled and draped bust of Diva Mariniana set to right on crescent, DIVAE MARINIANAE

Reverse: Peacock, with tail spread, standing facing, head to right, CONSECRATIO

Mint: Antioch, 253/254 A.D.

Weight: 3,10 g

Diameter: 21mm

Provenance: Kölner Münzkabinett, ex Dr. Victor Wishnevsky Collection, ex Münzzentrum Köln, Auktion 67, 1989, Los 672

Reference : 44.3 RIC V 4, RSC 4

Collection : IMPERIUM ROMANUM 06 - Military Anarchy p.2