I recently aquired these two
denarii, of the same
type but with different
reverse legend. The first one,
RIC 96, dated of 207 AD, whilst the second one,
RIC 175, undated, issued between 206 and 210 AD.
Now, I've seen many interpretations of the
type, from the rivers
Tigris and Euphrates and a
Mesopotamia, to the Danube and two
captives. FORVM's
catalog holds a specimen of
RIC 96, interpreted as the rivers Tyne and Eden and the female figure representing
Britannia. But as I understand it, the Severans didn't leave
Rome for
Britain until early 208 AD, thus, FORVM's version might seem problematic (unless they were, somehow, vowing to the British
river gods in advance!). It could well fit, however, with the undated
RIC 175, but wouldn't it seem more likely that both
types refer to the same
river gods? If so, I doubt that they could be British rivers... But, of course, other rivers might also seem inexplicable. I guess we could always leave it as
RIC: "to l., river-god, to r., two reclining figures"...
Any ideas? Thanks!
Regards,
Ignasi