I’d like to share a coin I received a few weeks ago: Septimius Severus AR Denarius, 3.10g Obv: SEVERVS PIVS AVG; Laureate, bust to right Rev: P M TR P XVIII COS III P P; Salus seated left, feeding a snake held in her arms. Mint: Rome, 210 AD References: RIC 236 It’s a common type, with a flan crack and smoothing on both sides, but well-centred, with both toning and a portrait that hold eye-appeal for me. Near the end of his reign, Septimius travelled to Britain with the intention of conquering Caledonia. It was here, late in 210, that he fell fatally ill. He died in early 211, in York, England. Salus was a minor goddess of safety and well-being for both individuals and the state, and her presence on this coin may have been indicative of his failing health. Please share your coins of Septimius, Salus, or anything you feel is relevant.
Great portrait, and I like the historical hypothesis! I only have earlyish Sept. Sev e.g. this denarius issued in 201:
Nice coin @Daniel_R6! Here's a Septimius with Greek counterpart Hygia. Bithynia, Nicomedia. Septimius Severus AE22. Hygieia 22mm and 4.2gm. Obv. AVKLCEP CEVHROC. Bust of Severus r. Rev. [DIC NEWK]OP - WN NIKOMHDE around, W - N across field. Hygieia standing r. feeding serpent. Recueil général records no type of Hygieia holding and feeding serpent at Nicomedia for SS, Domna, Caracalla, or Geta.
Septimius Severus may have been personally defeated by the weather, but he claims (twice on this coin) to have defeated the Brits: VICTORIAE BRIT, Victory holding palm and looking right at shield on palm tree (Not very British, is it!). Obverse legend: SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT (for the title Britannicus, victor over Britain) Denarius. 19-18 mm. RIC 336 struck "210-211" Sear 6384.
Your photo shows TR P XVII not TR P XVIII. Late period coins show the obverse legend ending in BRIT. Hadrian is famous for his travel coins but Septimius got around quite a bit during his reign. Few people would guess correctly who issued this Africa reverse.
As evidenced by the coins shared so far, I think one of the great things about the coins of SS is the variety of fascinating types. Thank you to all who have posted - there are now several more reverse types I’ve added to my want list! Ah, indeed! The dealer had attributed it to RIC 236, but with a quick flick through Wildwinds just now I believe it should be RIC 230?
Great pickup! It does look nicely toned, and with eye appeal aplenty. One of my favorite Sep Sevs, also a little toned... SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS AR Denarius. 3.93g, 19.4mm. Rome mint, AD 208. RIC 220. O: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right. R: P M TR P XVI COS III P P, Genius, naked, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over garlanded and lighted altar, left, and holding cornucopia in left hand. Ex Collection of an Old Swiss Gentleman Whose Wife Made Him Sell His Coins
This thread must set a coin talk record for the most Rome mint Septimius denarii shown. Bing did show a nice 'Emesa' but the rest of the denarii are from Rome. Perhaps we should mention that Rome produced a nice variety of bronzes, too. Considering the relatively low prices and good variety, I am surprised more people have not shown interest in the Severans. There are some really special and really expensive rarities for those who can spend 12 Caesars type money. I don't have them but big auctions have sold several: https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=175854 https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=140603 https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=28049 https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=24897 https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=786951
Nice pick up @Daniel_R6 My only Septimus Severus. RI Septimus Severus 193-211 AR Denarius Genius Sacrificing SALUS: I seem to have Salus coins from all over Roman times... SALUS-ROMAN REPUBLIC: RR Man Acilius Glabrio 49 BCE Salus Valetudo snake Craw 442-1a SALUS-ROMAN EMPIRE: RR Man Acilius Glabrio 49 BCE Salus Valetudo snake Craw 442-1a SALUS-GALLIC EMPIRE: RI Victorinus 269-270 CE BI Ant Gallic Empire Salus SALUS-FIGUREHEAD ROMAN EMPEROR: RI Valentinian II AE 13mm Salus CHI-RHO SALUS-ROMAN EMPIRE of the EAST: RI Leo I 457-474 CE AE 4 10mm Salus Emp stdg hldg Globe and Standard
