Very rare posthumous denarius of Marciana, the elder sister of Emperor Trajan, struck at the Rome Mint following her death and official consecration.
Ulpia Marciana was among the most influential women of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. She enjoyed the particular esteem of Trajan, who granted her the title of Augusta around AD 105. Following her death, she was officially deified, as indicated by the title DIVA in the obverse legend.
The reverse refers directly to her apotheosis. The eagle, the sacred bird of Jupiter, symbolised the ascent of the deceased’s soul to the realm of the gods. The legend CONSECRATIO appeared on Roman posthumous issues commemorating members of the imperial family who had undergone official deification.
An attractive example with a clearly defined portrait of Marciana, her elaborate Trajanic coiffure and a well-preserved depiction of the eagle.
A rare consecration denarius and an interesting testament to the imperial dynastic cult and the exceptional position enjoyed by women of the imperial family during Trajan’s reign.
Roman Imperial
Marciana (98-114, sister of Traian), Denarius after 114
Obverse: diademed and draped bust of Marciana to right
DIVA AVGVSTA MARCIANA
Reverse: eagle, with spread wings and head turned to left, standing right
CONSECRATIO
Diameter 19 mm, weight 3.21 g
