Denarius - Septimius Severus P M TR P V COS II P P; Fortuna
| Silver | 3.2 g | 17 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Septimius Severus (Lucius Septimius Severus) (193-211) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 197-198 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.2 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#269185 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder set on globe in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P V COS II P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Quinta, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the fifth time, consul for the second time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.05–3.265 g;Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius coin featuring Septimius Severus and Fortuna was minted during a time of significant political and economic change in the Roman Empire. Septimius Severus was the first African-born Roman Emperor and ruled from 193 to 211 AD. During his reign, he implemented several reforms to stabilize the empire, including debasing the currency to increase the amount of silver in circulation. This coin, minted in 197-198 AD, is an example of that debasement, as it contains less silver than earlier Denarii. Despite this, the coin still features the image of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck and prosperity, indicating the importance of her association with the Roman state even during times of economic instability.