The artistry of Severus's coinage shows a steady improvement as the reign progresses. The flans become broader, the style neater and more fluent. It is possible that artists from the east were brought to Rome to help in this, especially after 202 when the mint at Laodicea ad Mare ceased production. The Empress Julia Domna, a native of Syria and reputedly a woman of brilliant intellect, was probably a key influence in this development.