© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Septimius Severus BONA SPES; Spes
| Silver | 3.1 g | 17.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Septimius Severus (Lucius Septimius Severus) (193-211) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 194-195 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.1 g |
| Diameter | 17.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#269568 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower in extended right hand and raising fold of skirt with left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: BONA SPES
Translation:
Bona Spes.
Good hope.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.23–3.7 g;Diameter varies: 16.5–18.4 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius - Septimius Severus (BONA SPES; Spes) coin features an image of the Roman goddess Spes (meaning "hope" in Latin) on the reverse side, which is unusual for a Roman coin. Typically, Roman coins featured images of gods, emperors, or other symbols of power and authority. The inclusion of Spes on this coin may suggest that the emperor Septimius Severus was trying to promote a message of hope and optimism during a time of political instability and conflict.
