Septimius Severus
The Rome mint produced denarii for Septimius Severus from his proclamation as emperor in 193 AD until his death in 211 AD. This page will show only a representative sampling of the many varieties. The issues of 193 honoring the legions that supported Septimius are covered separately under Legionary Denarii. Several other varieties were also produced in 193 AD.
(Left) Rome mint coins of 193 AD use the obverse legend IMPCAELSEPSEVPERTAVG.
(Right) Very late in 193 AD the second award of Imperator (honoring a notable victory in battle) was recorded with the new obverse legend LSEPTSEVPERTAVGIMPII.
(Left) This IMP dated legend was updated each time a new award was made through IMPX. All numerals in the series are available except VI. It is probable that the awards of Imperator VI and Imperator VII were so closely spaced that the mint had not retooled before the second change was required.
(Right) At Imperator XI in 198 AD the reference to Pertinax was dropped from the legend and replaced with reference to victories in the war with Parthia. The legend now reads LSEPTSEVAVGIMPXIPARTMAX. Septimius was now emphasising his adoption into the family of Marcus Aurelius and playing down his role as avenger of Pertinax.
(Left) Later issues (202 - 210 AD) adopted the most common legend SEVERVSPIVSAVG. These coins show Septimius with the corkscrew beard for which he is known.
(Right) Coins of the final year (210 -211 AD) added reference to Septimius' victories in Britain. The legend is now SEVERVSPIVSAVGBRIT.
Following his death (February 211) Septimius was honored with a postumus issue bearing the legend DIVOSEVEROPIO.
Denarii of Septimius Severus from the Rome mint are among the most common Roman silver coins. This page shows a very small fraction of the available varieties.
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© 1997 Doug Smith