© Kunst Historisches Museum Wien
© Kunst Historisches Museum Wien
Aureus - Severus II HERCVLI VICTORI NK; Nicomedia
| Gold | 5.37 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Severus II (Flavius Valerius Severus) (306-307) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 306-307 |
| Value | Aureus (10) |
| Currency | Argenteus, Reform of Diocletian (AD 293/301 – 310/324) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 5.37 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#388194 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hercules, naked except for lion skin over left arm, standing front, head right, resting right hand on club set on ground and holding apples up in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
HERCVLI VICTORI NK
SMN
Translation: To Hercules, the Victor.
Comment
Weight varies from 5.37g-5.41g
Interesting fact
The Aureus - Severus II (HERCVLI VICTORI NK; Nicomedia) coin was minted during the reign of Emperor Severus II, who ruled the Roman Empire from 306 to 307 AD. Despite his short reign, Severus II made significant changes to the Roman currency, including introducing a new gold coin called the Aureus, which was equivalent to 25 silver denarii. The Aureus coin was made of gold and weighed 5.37 grams, as . It was a significant departure from the previous Roman currency, which was primarily made of silver and bronze. The introduction of the Aureus coin marked a shift towards a more gold-based currency system, which would have a lasting impact on the Roman economy.
