433, Lot: 452. Estimate $750. Sold for $550. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Julia Soaemias. Augusta, AD 218-222. Æ Sestertius (28mm, 20.14 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 brown patina.

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