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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Septimius Severus 97 (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Septimius Severus 97 (denarius). 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 VIIII.

The reverse shows hercules, naked, lion-skin draped over left arm, standing right, holding club set on ground in right hand and bow in left hand, with the legend HERCVLI DEFENS.

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

Struck at the Rome mint, this coin is a silver denarius, the standard Roman silver denomination introduced during the Second Punic War. The obverse features the emperor's portrait with the inscription "L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIIII", reflecting his imperial titles and his adopted name Pertinax. The reverse depicts Hercules, standing naked with a draped lion skin, holding a club and bow, accompanied by the legend "HERCVLI DEFENS".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Head of Septimius Severus, laureate, right
Reverse
Hercules, naked, lion-skin draped over left arm, standing right, holding club set on ground in right hand and bow in left hand
Obverse legend
L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIIII
Reverse legend
HERCVLI DEFENS

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Septimius Severus 97 (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIIII
Reverse legend to match
HERCVLI DEFENS
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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