Septimius Severus. Sestertius

Septimius Severus; 193-211 AD, Rome, c. 209 AD, Sestertius, 27.14g. BMC-p. 326, * note. Obv: L - SEPT SEVE - RVS PIVS AVG Bust laureate r., with fold of cloak on front shoulder and behind neck. Rs: VIRTVS - AVGVSTOR on l. and r., S C in exergue, Virtus or Roma seated l. on throne, resting l. arm on shield, holding Victory and parazonium. A very rare middle period sestertius, though the same type is common on denarii.

This coin is probably from the Hobler Collection, published in 1860, no. 1466, and obtained by Hobler from the Musgrave Cabinet, since Hobler’s description of the coin’s fine condition and black patination closely matches our piece.

Ex Curtis L. Clay Collection; ex Roma E18, 27 June 2015, lot 956.The pedigree for this coin is not utterly certain, but in all probability, correct. In 1860, it was obtained by Musgrave, whose description of the coin's slightly unusual toning and surfaces closely matches our coin. The Hobler catalogue had no illustrations of the coins. aEF / gVF