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Orbis Collectibles

RIC X Libius Severus 2707

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC X Libius Severus 2707. Denomination: Semissis. Authority: Libius Severus. Mint: Comitatensian. The obverse shows bust of Libius Severus, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend D N LIBIVS SEVE-RVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows ☧ within a wreath, with the legend SALVS REI PVBLICAE. The obverse shows bust of Libius Severus, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend D N LIBIVS SEVE-RVS P F AVG. The reverse shows ☧ within a wreath, with the legend SALVS REI PVBLICAE.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Libius Severus, also enumerated as Severus III, was Western Roman emperor from 19 November 461 until his death on 14 November 465. A native of Lucania, he was the fourth of the shadow emperors who followed the Valentinianic dynasty. Severus gained the throne after his predecessor Majorian was overthrown by the magister militum Ricimer, upon whom Severus was highly dependent throughout his reign of nearly four years.

Struck at a comitatensian mint, this gold semissis was produced during a troubled period characterised by an erosion of Roman control over provinces outside Italy and diplomatic tensions, including the failure to gain recognition from the eastern emperor Leo. The obverse presents the bust of the emperor alongside the legend "D N LIBIVS SEVE-RVS P F AVG", while the reverse bears a christogram within a wreath accompanied by the inscription "SALVS REI PVBLICAE".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Semissis

Technical characteristics

Mint
Comitatensian
Authority
Libius Severus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Libius Severus, rosette-diademed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
☧ within a wreath
Obverse legend
D N LIBIVS SEVE-RVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
SALVS REI PVBLICAE

Identification

Type reference
RIC X Libius Severus 2707
Denomination and metal
Semissis, Gold
Obverse legend to match
D N LIBIVS SEVE-RVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
SALVS REI PVBLICAE
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary. Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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