TYPE Roman Empire, Julia Mamaea, mother of Severus Alexander (222-235 AD), bronze sestertius DESCRIPTION . Obv: Draped bust of Julia to right; Latin legend: IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA Rev: Vennus standing l., holding helmet, legend VENUS VICTRIX / SC REFERENCE: RIC 705 GRADING: VF+ / VF, dark brown-tan patina ORDER INFO: R2893, $100 Attractive late sestertius; light roughness, but nice patina and good details. The last of the influential Severan matriarchs (all with the first name Julia), Mamaea ultimately shared the same sad - though not uncommon - fate as her son, protege and final Severan, Alexander. Their assassination marked the beginning of a half-century of instability and partial anarchy.