Unique Julia Domna Tetradrachm

Triton XXI, Lot: 195. Estimate $3000. Sold for $2750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Julia Domna. Augusta, AD 193-217. BI Tetradrachm (25mm, 12.85 g, 12h). Dated RY 20 of Caracalla (AD 211/212). IOYΛIA • ∆OMNA • CЄB • MHTЄP • C[TPA], draped bust right / Caracalla, laureate and wearing military attire, standing facing, head left, holding crowning Nike in his extended right hand and shield set on the ground with his left, spear behind; captive, hands bound behind back, seated left at his feet; L K (date) across field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 4033 (this coin); K&G 50.20; Emmett 2860.20 (R5 – this coin cited); Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 195 (this coin). Near EF, toned. Extremely rare, probably unique, and exceptional. One of the finest known tetradrachms of Julia Domna known, with nothing comparable sold at auction since 2000.

From the Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection, purchased from Athos Moretti, Bellinzona, May 1987. Ex Athos Moretti Collection (Bellinzona); Giuseppe Nascia Collection (Milan); Giovanni Dattari Collection, no. 4033.

A wonderful Julia Domna tetradrachm issued under her son, Caracalla. The reverse is identified as Ares by Dattari, et al, based most likely on a Corinthian helmet they perceive him to be wearing. Without another example to compare it to, this cataloguer believes that it is Caracalla, laureate, with the ends of the laurel wreath ties visible behind his head.