A friend has managed to purchase close to 10,000 coins over the last 20 years, a sizable number from ebay, including a huge number of imperial bronzes in every grade. He has sent to me a number of examples of sestertii of Septimius Severus, a few of which appear to be fascinating to say the least. This one is from IMP III, and begins with the inscription "VIRTUTI" - through an odd set of circumstances I do not have access to my copy of RIC, but my recollection is that the only coin struck by Septimius had the reverse inscription begin with "VIRT" not "VIRTUTI" - if I am wrong and this is a regular imperial issue it is still a nice coin and worth posting. Does anyone know the reason for the reverse inscription? The style of the reverse, while consistent with other coins of Septimius, is still somewhat different from others I have seen. Nevertheless, this is clear, at least to me, a genuine sestertius of Septimius Severus. I have asked my friend to provide the dimensions of the coin on the possibility that this is known as an As. I think that doubtful - the dimensions of the figure on the reverse points to it being a sestertius. Should the photograph not properly upload, no worries I try other methods tonight.
Wish I could take this one down - turns out not only is this listed but it is common - I have an example! - next time I do more research before I post
I didn't see this when it was fresh or I would have posted my poor example. There is also the Virtus from the first year. Neither is rare.
