Top 10 Most Valuable Roman Coins Featuring Women

From Imperial Power to Divine Legacy — Coins That Celebrate Rome’s Most Influential Women

When we think of Roman coins, we usually picture stern emperors in profile — Julius Caesar, Augustus, Constantine. But some of the most rare, beautiful, and valuable Roman coins feature powerful women who helped shape the empire from behind the scenes — and sometimes, from the front.

This list dives into 10 of the most valuable Roman coins depicting women, each with its own story, price range, and collector appeal. Whether you’re a numismatist, a history buff, or just curious about ancient royalty, these coins represent a fascinating mix of art, power, and rarity.

1. Aureus of Julia Domna – Empress of the Severan Dynasty

• Estimated Value: $30,000–$60,000 (depending on condition)

• Metal: Gold

• Legend: IVLIA DOMNA AVG

• Minted: c. 200–210 CE

• Type: Aureus

Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus and mother to Caracalla, was as politically sharp as she was influential. Her aurei are sought after for their elegant engraving and historical importance. One version shows her as Mater Senatus et Patriae (Mother of the Senate and the Fatherland).

2. Aureus of Faustina the Elder – The Deified Empress

• Estimated Value: $25,000–$50,000

• Metal: Gold

• Legend: DIVA FAVSTINA

• Minted: Posthumously, 140s CE

• Type: Aureus

After her death, Faustina the Elder was deified and honored with a stunning series of aurei showing temples, altars, and goddesses. These coins reflect the imperial cult and are prized for their emotional and historical symbolism.

3. Denarius of Julia Maesa – Power Behind the Throne

• Estimated Value: $2,000–$10,000

• Metal: Silver

• Legend: IVLIA MAESA AVG

• Minted: 218–224 CE

• Type: Denarius

Julia Maesa engineered her grandsons’ rise to the throne and held immense influence. Her denarii are scarce and politically charged, showing her as more than just a grandmother — but as a kingmaker.

4. Aureus of Lucilla – Daughter of Marcus Aurelius

• Estimated Value: $10,000–$30,000

• Metal: Gold

• Legend: LVCILLA AVG ANTONINI AVG F

• Minted: c. 164–169 CE

• Type: Aureus

Lucilla’s life was filled with drama — from a royal marriage to eventual execution. Her aurei often depict her in idealized, serene poses. High-grade specimens are rare and highly collectible.

5. Aureus of Plautilla – Tragic Empress

• Estimated Value: $15,000–$35,000

• Metal: Gold

• Legend: PLAVTILLA AVGVSTA

• Minted: 202–205 CE

• Type: Aureus

Wife of Caracalla and daughter of a powerful prefect, Plautilla’s time as empress was short-lived. Her coins are rare because Caracalla erased her memory after her exile and death, making surviving aurei quite valuable.

6. Denarius of Julia Mamaea – The Regent Empress

• Estimated Value: $2,500–$12,000

• Metal: Silver

• Legend: IVLIA MAMAEA AVG

• Minted: 222–235 CE

• Type: Denarius

Julia Mamaea ruled on behalf of her young son, Severus Alexander. Her coins emphasize stability, family, and divine favor. Collectors love her denarii for their clarity and strong political symbolism.

7. Aureus of Faustina the Younger – Empress of Continuity

• Estimated Value: $10,000–$28,000

• Metal: Gold

• Legend: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA

• Minted: 150–175 CE

• Type: Aureus

Married to Marcus Aurelius, Faustina the Younger is featured on many coins linked to fertility and imperial motherhood. Some aurei feature childbearing themes, reflecting her role in producing imperial heirs (including Commodus).

8. Sestertius of Sabina – The Philosophical Empress

• Estimated Value: $3,000–$7,000

• Metal: Bronze

• Legend: SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG

• Minted: c. 130 CE

• Type: Sestertius

Sabina was Hadrian’s wife, and though their marriage was distant, her coinage is beautifully engraved. Some show her as Concordia or Venus, reinforcing her diplomatic and moral virtues. Bronze sestertii in great condition are very collectible.

9. Aureus of Agrippina the Younger – Mother of Nero

• Estimated Value: $35,000–$80,000+

• Metal: Gold

• Legend: AGRIPPINA AVG GERMANICI CAESARIS F

• Minted: 50–54 CE

• Type: Aureus

Agrippina may be the closest thing to a true female Roman emperor — she wielded immense power and appeared side-by-side with her son, Nero, on coins. Joint aurei with her portrait are incredibly rare and fetch top prices at auction.

10. Aureus of Livia (as Julia Augusta) – The First Lady of Rome

• Estimated Value: $20,000–$40,000

• Metal: Gold

• Legend: IVLIA AVGVSTA

• Minted: c. 14–29 CE

• Type: Aureus

Livia, wife of Augustus and mother of Tiberius, was deified after her death. Coins issued under her son’s reign honor her divinity and moral stature. Her aurei are among the most elegant of early imperial issues.

🧭 Final Thoughts: Beauty, Power, and Rarity

These coins don’t just carry value — they carry stories. They represent women who shaped the empire: through marriage, motherhood, manipulation, or sheer presence.

💰 Why are these coins so valuable?

• Historical importance: Tied to emperors and dynasties

• Rarity: Some were melted, recalled, or struck in low numbers

• Artistry: Portraits of women often show unmatched engraving quality

• Symbolism: Goddesses, virtues, and power woven into the designs

Whether you’re a collector or a history lover, these coins are time machines — connecting you to the lives and legacies of Rome’s most powerful women.