Roman Empire Otacilia Severa Silver Double-Denarius (244-49 AD) NGC Mint State

This silver double-denarius was struck during the reign of Philip I (AD 244-249) and honors his wife, Otacilia Severa, a woman of considerable influence in the imperial court. Issued at the height of Rome's Crisis of the Third Century, coinage bearing Otacilia's portrait reinforced the legitimacy of Philip's short-lived dynasty and served both as propaganda and practical currency throughout the empire. This piece has been certified by NGC Ancients in Mint State, an exceptional designation for a coin nearly 1,800 years old.

The obverse presents a finely detailed draped bust of Otacilia Severa facing right, her elaborate braided hairstyle rendered with care by the mint's engravers. The legend MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG encircles the portrait, proclaiming her status as Augusta. The reverse depicts Pudicitia, the personification of modesty and virtue, seated left with a scepter and veil, accompanied by the legend PVDICITIA AVG. Both sides display strong strikes with bold devices and clear legends, characteristic of well-preserved antoniniani from this period.

Graded Mint State by NGC Ancients, this double-denarius exhibits minimal wear and attractive silvering with subtle toning across both surfaces. The strike is centered and the devices are sharply defined, qualities rarely found together in silver coins from this tumultuous era. Roman imperial silver featuring empresses remains highly collectible, particularly in such preserved condition, and this piece represents an appealing opportunity for collectors of imperial portraiture or third-century Roman coinage.

We have multiple Mint State examples available for purchase, similar to the coin pictured here.