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Outstanding Marciana
Lot # 522
Marciana, sister of Trajan (died 112 AD). AR Denarius. Struck under Trajan, c. 112-117 AD. Obv. DIVA AVGVSTA MARCIANA. Draped bust right, hair elaborately dressed, above which crescent-shaped diadem. Rev. CONSECRATIO. Eagle with spread wings perched left on sceptre, head right. RIC II (Traj.) 743. AR. 3.45 g. 19.00 mm. RRR. Very rare and in excellent condition for issue. A superb example, with a wonderful portrait and lovely light cabinet tone, with golden hues. About EF. There is very little in the historical record of Ulpia Marciana, Trajan's sister. She was the wife of C. Salonius Matidius, by whom she had one doughter, Matidia. Unlike many other imperial relatives during the Empire, she is reputed to have been of very high character. During Trajan's reign, after Mathidius death, Marciana lived as a widow, and did not take another husband. She was a close friend of Trajan's wife, Plotina, and both jointly accepted the title of Augusta in 105 AD (which they had both rejected in 100 AD). The date of her death is debatable, and although some scholars believe she died in the year she was hailed Augusta, her death is commonly placed in 112 or 114 AD. (Triton XVIII, 1078 note).