CNG 85, Lot: 963. Estimate $750. Sold for $900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Julia Soaemias. Augusta, AD 218-222. Æ Sestertius (29mm, 26.74 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Elagabalus, AD 220-222. Draped bust right, wearing stephane / Venus Caelestis standing left, holding apple and scepter; star to right. RIC IV 402 (Elagabalus); Thirion 385; Banti 4. VF, dark gray-brown patina, some red.

A Roman adaptation of a goddess from Syria brought by princesses from the east to Rome, Venus Caelestis means The “Celestial Venus.” The only coins with this reverse type are of the Severan empresses.