Diva Marciana, died 112/4. Aureus (Gold, 20 mm, 7.34 g, 6 h), Rome, September 112-117. DIVA AVGVSTA MARCIANA Draped bust of Diva Marciana to right, wearing stephane. Rev. CONSECRATIO Eagle, wings spread, standing left on scepter, head turned back to right. BMC 647. Calicó 1152a. Cohen 3. RIC 743. Woytek 717. Very rare. A well centered and attractive example of this difficult issue. Good very fine.


Ulpia Marciana was the beloved elder sister of Trajan. Born in August in an uncertain year during the reign of Claudius, she married the Roman senator Gaius Salonius Matidius Patruinus, with whom she had a daughter, Salonina Matidia. Following Patruinus’ death in 78, Marciana and her daughter moved in with Trajan and his wife, Plotina.

Trajan adored his sister, who became one of his close confidantes and occasionally accompanied the imperial entourage. Between 100 and 105, he conferred upon her the title of Augusta - the first time in Roman history that this honor was granted to an emperor’s sister. He further honored her by founding two cities bearing her name: Colonia Marciana Ulpia Traiana Thamugadi (modern-day Timgad in Algeria) and Marcianopolis in Moesia Inferior.

Upon her death, perhaps in 112, Marciana was deified. For the first time, the term CONSECRATIO appeared on Roman coinage, commemorating her apotheosis.