© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Aureus - Septimius Severus PROVIDENTIA; Medusa
| Gold | 7.2 g | 20.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Septimius Severus (Lucius Septimius Severus) (193-211) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 202-210 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.2 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#269438 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Head of Medusa, facing, with wings and serpents in hair.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PROVIDENTIA
Translation:
Providentia.
Foresight.
Comment
Example of this type:American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus - Septimius Severus (PROVIDENTIA; Medusa) coin is that it features a unique depiction of the goddess Medusa on the reverse side. Medusa is shown with a serene expression and a crown of laurel leaves, which is a departure from the usual depiction of Medusa as a monstrous creature with snakes for hair. This unusual portrayal of Medusa may have been intended to convey the idea of the Roman Empire's power and control over even the most fearsome of enemies.
