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RIC IV Septimius Severus 161B

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Septimius Severus 161B. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Septimius Severus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Septimius Severus, laureate, wearing lion-skin, right, with the legend SEVERVS AVG PART MAX. The reverse shows bust of Julia Domna, draped, right, with the legend IVLIA AVGVSTA.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
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 eliminating his rival claimants, he waged a successful war against the Parthian Empire, sacking Ctesiphon in 197 and expanding the eastern frontier to the Tigris. His marriage to his second wife, Julia Domna, produced two sons and founded the Severan dynasty.

Struck at Rome, this gold aureus belongs to the standard gold denomination of ancient Rome, originally valued at 25 silver denarii and 100 sestertii. The obverse features Septimius Severus with the title "SEVERVS AVG PART MAX", referencing his Parthian victory, alongside a depiction of him wearing a lion-skin. The reverse pairs his portrait with that of his wife, Julia Domna, inscribed with the legend "IVLIA AVGVSTA".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Septimius Severus, laureate, wearing lion-skin, right
Reverse
Bust of Julia Domna, draped, right
Obverse legend
SEVERVS AVG PART MAX
Reverse legend
IVLIA AVGVSTA

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Septimius Severus 161B
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
SEVERVS AVG PART MAX
Reverse legend to match
IVLIA AVGVSTA
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

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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