One of collecting themes is the eastern mint denarii of Septimius Severus. I primarily concentrate on the earlier issues but sometimes wander into the later issues though they are not my primary focus. Some years ago I obtained a few coins from the "L SEP SEVERVS PER AVG P M IMP XI" issue particularly with the "PAR AR AD ....." legends, which commemorate the victory over the Parthians. Some years ago I became aware of the existence of an odd variant of these coins with the unusual obverse legend "L SEP SEVERVS PER AVG PIV IMP XI PAR P M" after Curtis Clay illustrated an example of this rare type that he had obtained. These became added to my very long "wish list" of coins to keep an eye open for. I have managed to obtain three different examples from this rare issue that I thought it worth sharing. All three coins share the same obverse die which is different to the only other example from this issue that I have seen. All three coins would appear to be rare with the only examples know to RIC or BMCRE being misread coins from the RD Hoard. Septimius Severus denarius Obv:-- L SEP SEVERVS PER AVG PIV IMP XI PAR P M, laureate head right Rev:-- AR AD [T]R P VI COS II P P, Victory walking left, holding wreath in right hand, palm in left Eastern mint. A.D. 198 Reference:-- BMCRE page 280 *, citing RD page 105. RIC 494a corr. Septimius Severus denarius Obv:-- L SEP SEVERVS PER AVG PIV IMP XI PAR P M, laureate head right Rev:-- AR AD TR P VI / COS II P P, Two captives seated back to back at the foot of a trophy Eastern mint. A.D. 198 Reference:-- BMCRE page 280 Sword, citing RD page 105. RIC 494b corr. Slightly double struck on the reverse. Obv:-- L SEP SEVERVS PER AVG PIV IMP XI PAR P M, laureate head right Rev:-- SALVTI AVGG, Salus seated left feeding snake coiled around altar Eastern mint. A.D. 198 Reference:-- BMCRE page 281 Note, citing RD page 102. RIC 497b corr. Holed and worn but with enough detail to determine the die match to the other two coins illustrated here. Regards, Martin
I saw these on Forvm. I like all three. What I found most interesting is the large legends as pointed out. What made this particular mint use these legends? Its like reading a trajan or pius. The toning on the first two are also really attractive. I think these are my favorites of your Septimius collection.
Septimius is attempting to convey a lot of titles all on one coin and this causes them to have to be shortened. It is all about the political message that he is trying to convey. Victory of the Parthans, Arabs and Adiabenici with the result that he is declaring control over the eastern empire, at least for the time being.
Fine examples each, but I like coin number two the best only for the reverse. I suppose you and Doug have a corner on the market on these Eastern minted SS coins and from what I see they are not generally cheap. Congrats and thanks for sharing.:thumb::thumb::thumb: (one thumbs up for each)
I agree with Bing here. That reverse is awesome. I notice these are all labeled "eastern mint" do we know the mint city?, was this a traveling mint,? Were these coins minted in Mesopotamia, Syria, Armenia or other such location? Fascinating...
These are nominally the mint of Laodicea-ad-Mare thought the exact city of the mint is unknown. Regards, Martin
Beautiful Septimius Severus coins as always, Martin ... :thumb: By the way => I was a bit surprised that you didn't comment on my Septimius Severus counter-stamped coins? In case you didn't already take a peek, here is the link => http://www.cointalk.com/t225168/
Hey Martin => thanks for leaving a coin-comment on my other thread ... I always love getting comments/feedback from the heavy-hitters!! :thumb: Bing => ahaha => yah, I wasn't trying to be cheeky ... I was actually wanting some feedback on those coins (man, I thought that they were the coolest things going!! ... I was actually a bit surprised that others didn't also think that they were quite as amazing? ... well, I guess that's the beauty of collecting => we all have varying "targets")
I had missed your thread completely as I have not been online much over the last few days. I am glad you pointed it out to me as I have seen something I had been previously unaware of and will certainly be more aware of in future. Martin
