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RIC IV Septimius Severus 557

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Septimius Severus 557. 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; two children standing, one to either side, with the legend HILARITAS.

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 ruled as Roman emperor from 193 to 211, seizing power during the Year of the Five Emperors after the death of Pertinax. Following civil conflicts against Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, and Clodius Albinus, he consolidated authority across the Roman Empire. With his second wife, Julia Domna, Severus established the Severan dynasty, fathering two sons, Caracalla and Geta, who were elevated to co-emperors.

Struck at the Rome mint under the authority of Septimius Severus, this silver coin represents the denarius, the standard Roman silver denomination introduced around 211 BC. The coin features Julia Domna on the obverse alongside the legend "IVLIA AVGVSTA". The reverse depicts the personification Hilaritas accompanied by two standing children, inscribed with 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; two children standing, one to either side
Obverse legend
IVLIA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend
HILARITAS

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Septimius Severus 557
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

Varieties

  • RIC IV Septimius Severus 639

    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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