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RIC IV Septimius Severus 32

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Septimius Severus 32. 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 III.

The reverse shows bacchus (Liber), wreathed, naked except for cloak over left arm, emptying oenochoe in right hand over panther, seated left, head right with open mouth, and holding garlanded thyrsus in left hand, with the legend LIBERO PATRI.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
7
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

Lucius Septimius Severus served as Roman emperor from 193 to 211, seizing power during the Year of the Five Emperors following the death of Pertinax. Born in Leptis Magna in the province of Africa, he eliminated rival contenders Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, and Clodius Albinus to establish the Severan dynasty.

Struck at Rome, this silver coin is a denarius, the standard Roman silver denomination originally introduced during the Second Punic War. The obverse features the emperor's laureate portrait accompanied by the legend "L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP III". The reverse depicts Bacchus, also known as Liber, holding a garlanded thyrsus and emptying an oenochoe over a seated panther, framed by the dedication "LIBERO PATRI".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Head of Septimius Severus, laureate, right
Reverse
Bacchus (Liber), wreathed, naked except for cloak over left arm, emptying oenochoe in right hand over panther, seated left, head right with open mouth, and holding garlanded thyrsus in left hand
Obverse legend
L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP III
Reverse legend
LIBERO PATRI

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Septimius Severus 32
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP III
Reverse legend to match
LIBERO PATRI
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 27A

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC IV Septimius Severus 44

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); 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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