This coin unfortunately does not photograph well (it is actually better in hand), but it does commemorate a significant military campaign in the reign of Septimius Severus, which brought a measure of peace, finally, to Rome's most distant province. I have always wondered at the mettle, courage, desire for adventure and expansion, or whatever you want to call it of those romans. What on earth propelled them to go far north, into a forbidding territory so vastly different from the sunny fields of their native Italy. SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS. 193-211 AD. Æ As. Struck 210-211 AD. SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head right / VICTORIAE BRITTANNICAE, S C in exergue, Victory standing right, holding vexillum in both hands, captives seated at feet on either side. RIC IV 837a; BMCRE 228; Cohen 736 Here is some background to the events commemorated by this As Septimius Severus: (quote from an internet source) " In 208 AD Septimius Severus together with the entire imperial family (his wife Julia Domna and their sons Caracalla and Geta) set out for Britain where the situation on the northern frontier demanded urgent attention. He was to spend the last two and a half years of his life in the island province and was destined never to return to Rome. Together with his elder son, the co-emperor Caracalla, he campaigned vigorously beyond the imperial frontier, penetrating far into Scotland. The line of their marching-camps can still be detected today by aerial photography. Severus also restored Hadrian's Wall, the northern frontier of the province, which was in serious need of renovation now that more than eighty years had elapsed since its original construction. Little is known of the success of these military operations, though they were to bring peace to the area for the remainder of the third century and an extensive issue of coinage in all metals was produced to commemorate the British victory".
Very nice coin, and of course a cool history, which makes an interesting object fascinating, no? That is why we collect these little thing in my mind. I understand your frustration. I have heard from many those light toning coins are hard to pick up details in a photo that are obvious in hand. Its actually one of the tricks I use when trying to pick up coins that are better than their pictures. If anyone tells anyone else about this trick, I will have to hurt you. Apparently I have too much competition nowadays as it is. Chris
Its just light colored coins like yours can be difficult to photograph well, so when looking at auction listings you need to take that into account. I have received many excellent coins that appear washed out in photos. You mentioned it was better in hand, and for certain coin types that definitely can be true. I know Doug likes photogenic coins, but I prefer coins that look good in person, and if they are not very photogenic then many times I can get them at a discount.
