© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Septimius Severus PROVIDENTIA; Medusa
| Silver | 3 g | 19 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 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#269440 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Head of Medusa, facing, on aegis.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PROVIDENTIA
Translation:
Providentia.
Foresight.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.3–3.447 g;Diameter varies: 18.9–19.8 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 Medusa on one side, which was an unusual choice for a Roman coin. Medusa was a creature from Greek mythology, and her image was often associated with protection and apotropaic powers. The inclusion of Medusa on this coin may have been a nod to the cultural exchange and blending that occurred between Rome and Greece during the Roman Empire.
