Julia Domna, the younger sister of Julia Maesa, was the daughter of Julius Bassianus, a priest of Baal and Elagabalus. She was born in Emesa in Syria in AD 170, and in AD 187 became the wife of the future emperor Septimius Severus. Endowed with charm, wit, beauty and political ingenuity, Julia Domna became one of the most powerful people in the Roman Empire during the era AD 193 to 217. When Severus ascended to the throne in AD 193, Julia Domna received the title of Augusta. As a patron of the arts she engaged in an intellectual circle consisting of philosophers, physicians, artists and writers. Much of the reign of Septimius was disturbed by warfare, and while the emperor was caught up in military matters, Julia Domna was left to take care of and administer the Roman Empire. She survived the murders of her two sons Geta and Caracalla. In 217 Julia Domna was removed from the throne after which she committed suicide. She was later deified.

The denarius above, struck under Septimius Severus, depicts on the obverse the draped bust of Julia Domna and her title IVLIA AVGVSTA. On the coins from early in the reign of Septimius, we see the profile of a very determined young woman with a slightly cruel and cynical look; a high forehead and alert expression. Her hairstyle set a new fashion trend of wavy locks rolling down both sides of her head, curling under at the ends. Here her hair is drawn straight down away from her face, brought back to the nape of the neck and braided upward in a criss-cross double plait. The reverse of the coins of Julia Domna often displays the personification of Fortuna or Tyche for good luck or fortune.

The reverse above shows Ceres seated left, holding corn ears and a torch, CERERI FRVGIF.