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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Septimius Severus 168A (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Septimius Severus 168A (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Septimius Severus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Septimius Severus, laureate, right, with the legend SEVERVS AVG PART MAX.

The reverse shows septimius Severus, in military attire, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over tripod and holding spear in left hand, with the legend RESTITVTORI VRBIS.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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

Septimius Severus ruled as Roman emperor from 193 until 211, seizing power during the Year of the Five Emperors following the death of Pertinax. After eliminating rivals Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, and Clodius Albinus, Severus conducted campaigns in the east against the Parthian Empire, capturing Ctesiphon in 197. His military operations expanded the Roman frontier to the Tigris and secured his imperial authority.

Struck at Rome, this silver denarius formed part of the standard Roman silver coinage in circulation from the Second Punic War until the third century. The obverse presents Severus with the title "SEVERVS AVG PART MAX", reflecting his Parthian campaign. The reverse carries the legend "RESTITVTORI VRBIS" alongside a depiction of the emperor in military attire, holding a spear and sacrificing from a patera over a tripod.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Head of Septimius Severus, laureate, right
Reverse
Septimius Severus, in military attire, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over tripod and holding spear in left hand
Obverse legend
SEVERVS AVG PART MAX
Reverse legend
RESTITVTORI VRBIS

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Septimius Severus 168A (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
SEVERVS AVG PART MAX
Reverse legend to match
RESTITVTORI VRBIS
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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