© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Septimius Severus VIRTVTI AVG S C; Roma and Victory
195 year| Bronze | 23.1 g | 29 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Septimius Severus (Lucius Septimius Severus) (193-211) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 195 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 23.1 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#270108 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Septimius Severus, in military attire, standing left, holding Victory on globe in extended right hand and spear in left hand, being crowned by Roma, helmeted, draped, holding parazonium in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVTI AVG S C
Translation:
Virtuti Augusti. Senatus Consultum.
To the courage of the emperor (Augustus). Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 22.07–26.8 g;Diameter varies: 28.5–29 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 Victory (Victoria) on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Septimius Severus. This suggests that the coin was minted during a time when the Roman Empire was emphasizing the importance of military victory and the power of the Roman state. Additionally, the coin's bronze composition and relatively small weight of 23.1 grams suggest that it was a widely circulating coin that was used for everyday transactions, making it a tangible connection to the past for collectors and historians today.
