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RIC IV Septimius Severus 117

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Septimius Severus 117. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Septimius Severus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Septimius Severus, laureate, right, with the legend L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP X.

The reverse shows sol, radiate, naked except for cloak over left shoulder, standing left, raising right hand and holding whip in left hand, with the legend P M TR P VI COS II P P.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
10
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

After deposing Didius Julianus, he defeated rival claimants Pescennius Niger in 194 and Clodius Albinus in 197. Severus subsequently conducted successful eastern campaigns against the Parthian Empire, sacking Ctesiphon in 197, before later campaigning in Africa and Britain.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this silver denarius was part of the standard Roman silver denomination originally introduced during the Second Punic War. The coin carries the obverse inscription "L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP X" alongside a laureate portrait of the emperor. The reverse displays the deity Sol, radiate and wearing a cloak over the left shoulder, raising the right hand and holding a whip, accompanied by the legend "P M TR P VI COS II P P".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Head of Septimius Severus, laureate, right
Reverse
Sol, radiate, naked except for cloak over left shoulder, standing left, raising right hand and holding whip in left hand
Obverse legend
L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP X
Reverse legend
P M TR P VI COS II P P

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Septimius Severus 117
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP X
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P VI COS II P P
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.

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

Varieties

  • RIC IV Septimius Severus 101

    Same ruler, denomination and reverse type; reverse legend P M TR P V COS II P P differs only in dated titles. Consolidated into this entry.

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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