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RIC IV Septimius Severus 702a

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Septimius Severus 702a. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Septimius Severus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Septimius Severus, laureate, right, with the legend L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VII.

The reverse shows septimius Severus, in military attire, standing left, holding Victory on globe in extended right hand and spear in left hand, being crowned by Roma, helmeted, draped, holding parazonium in left hand, with the legend DIVI M PII F P M TR P III COS II P P S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
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 to 211. Born in Leptis Magna, he seized power in 193 during the Year of the Five Emperors following the death of Pertinax. After deposing Didius Julianus, he overcame rival claimants, including Pescennius Niger in 194 and later Clodius Albinus, to consolidate control over the Roman Empire.

Produced at the mint of Rome, this bronze issue represents a sestertius, a denomination that functioned in Roman commerce as the equivalent of two and a half asses, or one quarter of a denarius. The obverse legend names the emperor as "L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VII". The reverse inscription, "DIVI M PII F P M TR P III COS II P P S C", accompanies imagery depicting Severus in military attire holding a spear and a Victory on a globe, while being crowned by the helmeted figure of Roma.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Head of Septimius Severus, laureate, right
Reverse
Septimius Severus, in military attire, standing left, holding Victory on globe in extended right hand and spear in left hand, being crowned by Roma, helmeted, draped, holding parazonium in left hand
Obverse legend
L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VII
Reverse legend
DIVI M PII F P M TR P III COS II P P S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Septimius Severus 702a
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VII
Reverse legend to match
DIVI M PII F P M TR P III COS II P P S C
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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