Struck during the height of the Severan dynasty, this silver denarius features Julia Domna, one of the most influential women of the Roman Empire. Wife of Septimius Severus and mother to two emperors, she occupied a unique position at the intersection of power, religion, and imperial continuity.
This coin pairs her dignified portrait with one of the most ancient and powerful mother deities of the Roman world, creating a piece rich in symbolism and presence.
The History
Julia Domna was born in Syria and rose to become one of Rome’s most visible and politically active empresses. Celebrated for her intellect and patronage of philosophy, she played a central role in court life during a period marked by military expansion and internal consolidation. Her coinage reflects both imperial dignity and religious authority, presenting her not merely as consort, but as a stabilizing figure within the Severan regime.
The reverse depicts Cybele, the Great Mother, seated in authority and flanked by lions. Cybele was an ancient Anatolian deity associated with protection, fertility, and the guardianship of cities. Her cult was formally adopted by Rome centuries earlier, and by the Severan period she symbolized both divine power and continuity. The lions at her sides emphasize her dominion over nature and her role as a cosmic protector, imagery that resonated strongly in imperial propaganda.
This denarius shows clear signs of ancient circulation, including an irregular, jagged edge resulting from hand striking in antiquity. These features have been intentionally preserved and remain visible, allowing the physical character of the coin to remain part of its presence today. The imagery of Cybele and her lions remains sharply legible, reinforcing the strength and authority conveyed by the design.
What’s Included
The authentic ancient Roman silver denarius shown
Carefully prepared and set as a finished pendant
A sterling silver chain
Optional 14k gold chain upgrade available at checkout
Protective packaging suitable for storage or gifting
Documentation describing the coin and its historical context
Coin Details
Roman Imperial
Julia Domna, Augusta
Silver denarius
Obverse: Draped bust of Julia Domna, right. Inscription: IVLIA AVGVSTA
Reverse: Cybele seated left, holding a branch and scepter, a lion positioned on each side. Inscription: MATER DEVM
Julia Domna Silver Denarius - Cybele and Lion
$675.00
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Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
— Eva S.
Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
— Garrett Ryan from Toldinstone
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— Margaret B.
The Athenian Owl pendants are awesome! We're saving the gift for a special occasion. My wife loved it, she got it and was all hushed quiet, that smile while opening and handling it for the first few minutes. It's special.
— Joe E.
OMG the coin. It’s sooo gorgeous. I love it so so so so much. Thank you for keeping me in mind and finding this piece of perfection for me.
— Cecilia A.
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FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes! All coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country - you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us - we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
