All coins issued in the name of Orbiana are rarely encountered.
This denarius was struck at the Rome Mint to commemorate the marriage of Sallustia Barbia Orbiana to Emperor Severus Alexander. Orbiana received the title of Augusta in AD 225, but remained at the imperial court for only about two years.
According to Herodian, the young empress came into conflict with Julia Mamaea, the dominant mother of Severus Alexander. Orbiana’s father, Seius Sallustius, was accused of conspiracy and executed, while Orbiana herself was stripped of her title and exiled to Africa. The production of coins bearing her portrait ceased following her banishment in AD 227, accounting for the comparatively limited extent and rarity of her coinage.
The reverse depicts Concordia, the Roman personification of harmony and agreement. The legend CONCORDIA AVGG referred to the unity of the imperial couple and was intended to emphasise the dynastic stability of their young marriage. In view of the subsequent conflict at court and Orbiana’s exile, the imagery acquired a particularly poignant and ironic significance.
An example with a clearly defined portrait of the young empress.
An interesting marriage denarius of Orbiana, whose brief presence at the imperial court and abrupt exile rank among the most dramatic episodes of the reign of Severus Alexander.
Roman Imperial
Orbiana (225-227, wife of Alexander Severus), Denarius 225–227, Rome mint
Obverse: diademed and draped bust right
SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG
Reverse: Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera and double cornucopiae
CONCORDIA AVGG
Diameter 18 mm, weight 1.90 g
