Septimius Severus AD 193-211. Rome Aureus AV 18 mm, 7,20 g IMP CAE

Septimius Severus AD 193-211. Rome
Aureus AV

18 mm, 7,20 g

IMP CAE L SEP SE V PERT AVG, laureate head right / VIRT AVG TR P COS, Virtus standing left, holding Victory in outstretched right hand and reversed spear in left.

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RIC IV 24; Calicó 2570; BMCRE 32; Biaggi 1114.

NGC graded AU

Strike 5/5

Surface 2/5



Septimius Severus, born as Lucius Septimius Severus in AD 145, was a Roman Emperor whose remarkable rise to power and eventful reign left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire. Hailing from Leptis Magna, a prosperous city in modern-day Libya, Severus belonged to a distinguished family. In AD 193, the Roman Empire was engulfed in chaos after the assassination of Emperor Pertinax. Amid the power vacuum, Severus, then governor of Upper Pannonia, seized the opportunity and declared himself emperor. With a formidable army at his disposal, he marched on Rome, defeating his rivals and ascending to the imperial throne. Severus proved to be a capable military leader. His reign was characterized by ambitious military campaigns to strengthen and expand the Roman Empire's frontiers. He notably ventured into Britain, strengthening Hadrian's Wall and reoccupying the Antonine Wall. In the East, he secured victories against the Parthian Empire, adding to his growing reputation as a skillful commander. As emperor, Severus implemented a series of significant reforms. He increased the pay of Roman soldiers, ensuring their loyalty and support. Granting Roman citizenship to the soldiers further solidified their allegiance to the empire. His reign marked a period of centralized power, as he expanded the emperor's authority over the provinces, contributing to greater imperial control.

Family played a crucial role in Severus' reign. His wife, Julia Domna, a highly educated and politically astute woman, exerted considerable influence on his decisions. Together, they had two sons, Caracalla and Geta. However, the once-close siblings became embroiled in a bitter rivalry for power. After Severus' death in AD 211, Caracalla orchestrated Geta's assassination, leaving him as the sole ruler.

From the Matteo Savoca collection