Denarius of Lucilla

Images of Roman emperors appear on their denarii but so too do portraits of many of their wives. The example featured here has on the obverse a draped bust of Lucilla, who was the wife of Lucius Verus (AD 161 to 169). The finder wishes to remain anonymous.

On the obverse of this denarius the legend reads LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F. Within a wreath on the reverse, set out in three lines, is a legend reading VOTA PVBLI .CA.

In volume II of David Sear’s Roman Coins and Their Values denarii of this type are listed as number 5494. They were struck at Rome in AD 164 and commemorate the marriage between Lucilla and Lucius Verus.

Valuation

The obverse is well struck and in VF condition. The reverse is not as sharp and has been struck off centre. It’s not a rare coin but denarii of Lucilla are scarcer then many of the other emperors’ wives. In its present condition I’d price it at £60 – £80.