Obverse: IVLIA AVGVSTA, Draped bust of Julia Domna facing right.

Reverse: SAECVLI FELICITAS, Isis standing right, left foot on prow, nursing infant Horus held at her breast, rudder resting against altar behind.

RIC: 577. Sear: 6606. BMCRE: 166. [Rome, AD 201].

Diameter: 19 mm. Weight: 3.4 g.

A superb silver denarius of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus and mother to Caracalla and Geta. The reverse depicts the Egyptian goddess Isis, who had become very popular with the Romans, having several temples dedicated to her in the capital. In Egyptian culture, Isis was the wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus. Every pharaoh was considered the living incarnation of Horus, therefore Isis was an important goddess to the Egyptians. It is easy to understand why Julia Domna in her position as powerful matriarch of the Severan dynasty wanted to associate herself with the goddess. This is an absolutely stunning coin in near mint condition with a rare depiction of Isis.