Septimius Severus, Silver Denarius
Dublin Core
Title
Septimius Severus, Silver Denarius
Subject
Septimius Severus (193 -211 CE) Silver Denarius. Emesa Mint, 194-195 CE.
OBVERSE: IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG COS II (Imperator Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus Pertinax Augustus, consul for the 2nd time), laureate head right
REVERSE: VICT AVG (Victory of Augustus), Victory walking left holding wreath and palm.
OBVERSE: IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG COS II (Imperator Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus Pertinax Augustus, consul for the 2nd time), laureate head right
REVERSE: VICT AVG (Victory of Augustus), Victory walking left holding wreath and palm.
Description
Septimius Severus came into power much the same way Vespasian did 100 years before him. Following the quick succession of four other emperors in the same year, Septimius came into power in 193 CE. He secured his place using his military prowess and by replacing the highly corrupt Praetorian Guard, which has sold the previous position of emperor to the highest bidder, the not so lucky winner being Didius Julianus.
The Severan reign was one of the first to see serious debasement of its silver coinage. The silver content, which started to fall under the Antonine dynasty, continued to fall, finishing at just 50% silver. The gold aureus had still not been tampered with, but the rarity of gold coinage in general basically made it a moot point. Much of the Severan coinage contained military epithets and themes, appealing to the legions under their control. This coin, featuring Victory, represents the military successes of the emperor.
The Severan reign was one of the first to see serious debasement of its silver coinage. The silver content, which started to fall under the Antonine dynasty, continued to fall, finishing at just 50% silver. The gold aureus had still not been tampered with, but the rarity of gold coinage in general basically made it a moot point. Much of the Severan coinage contained military epithets and themes, appealing to the legions under their control. This coin, featuring Victory, represents the military successes of the emperor.
Source
Gift of James and Aneta McIntyre, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Salem, OR. 2006.010.039
Date
194-195 CE
Rights
Hallie Ford Museum of Arts
Format
0.727 in
0.115 oz
0.115 oz
Language
Latin
Type
Coin
Coverage
This item is on view at Hallie Ford Museum of Art, in the Mark and Janeth Sponenburgh Gallery.
Citation
“Septimius Severus, Silver Denarius,” Hallie Ford Museum of Art Exhibits, accessed December 27, 2024, https://library.willamette.edu/hfma/omeka/items/show/90.