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RIC IV Septimius Severus 556 (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Septimius Severus 556 (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Septimius Severus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Julia Domna, hair waved and coiled at back, draped, right, with the legend IVLIA AVGVSTA.

The reverse shows hilaritas, draped, standing left, holding long palm in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend HILARITAS.

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

Lucius Septimius Severus ruled as Roman emperor from 193 to 211, securing power following the death of Pertinax during the Year of the Five Emperors. Born in Leptis Magna, he overcame rival claimants Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, and Clodius Albinus. Together with his second wife, Julia Domna, he established the Severan dynasty, appointing their sons Caracalla and Geta as co-emperors during his reign.

Struck at Rome, this silver piece belongs to the denarius denomination, which functioned as the standard Roman silver coin from its introduction around 211 BC until the reign of Gordian III. The coin portrays Julia Domna on the obverse paired with the legend "IVLIA AVGVSTA". The reverse depicts the personification Hilaritas holding a long palm and a cornucopiae, accompanied by the legend "HILARITAS".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Julia Domna, hair waved and coiled at back, draped, right
Reverse
Hilaritas, draped, standing left, holding long palm in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IVLIA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend
HILARITAS

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Septimius Severus 556 (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IVLIA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend to match
HILARITAS
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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