© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Aureus - Septimius Severus DIS AVSPICIB TR P II COS II P P; Hercules and Bacchus
194 year| Gold | 7.21 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Septimius Severus (Lucius Septimius Severus) (193-211) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 194 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.21 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#379957 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hercules (on left), nude, standing facing, head right, right hand resting on grounded club, apple in left hand, lion skin draped over left arm, and Bacchus (on right), nude, standing facing, head left, grounded thyrsus in left hand, oinochoe in right hand over panther crouched left in center; COS II P P in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
DIS AVSP-ICIB-TR P II
COS II P P
Unabridged legend: Dis Auspicibus. Tribunicia Potestate Secunda, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae.
Translation: The protector gods. Older of tribunician power for the second time, consul for the second time, father of the nation.
Interesting fact
The Aureus coin featuring Septimius Severus (DIS AVSPICIB TR P II COS II P P; Hercules and Bacchus) is an interesting piece of history because it highlights the Roman Empire's use of propaganda through currency. The image of Hercules and Bacchus on the coin was used to promote the idea of the emperor's divine right to rule and his association with mythological figures of strength and power. Additionally, the coin's gold content and weight of 7.21g reflect the value and wealth of the Roman Empire during this time period.
