Denarius - Septimius Severus (P M TR P IIII COS II P P; Minerva) (196-197) front Denarius - Septimius Severus (P M TR P IIII COS II P P; Minerva) (196-197) back
Denarius - Septimius Severus (P M TR P IIII COS II P P; Minerva) (196-197) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Denarius - Septimius Severus P M TR P IIII COS II P P; Minerva

 
Silver 3.2 g 17.5 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Septimius Severus (Lucius Septimius Severus) (193-211)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
196-197
Value
1 Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.2 g
Diameter
17.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#269136
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Minerva, helmeted, draped, standing left, holding spear in right hand and round shield, set on ground, in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: P M TR P IIII COS II P P

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Quarta, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the fourth time, consul for the second time, father of the nation.

Comment

Mass varies: 2.579–3.369 g;
Diameter varies: 16.5–18 mm;

Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Minerva on the reverse, which was a common motif on coins during the reign of Septimius Severus. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, and was often depicted with an owl, which symbolized her association with wisdom and knowledge. The inclusion of Minerva on this coin may have been a way to emphasize the importance of wisdom and knowledge during the reign of Septimius Severus.