Septimius Severus, 193-211, Denarius

Septimius Severus, Denarius, AR, reign AD 193–211; Rome, AD 197–198; 3.30 g; 19 mm. Laureate head of Septimius Severus right; L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP X. Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm; VICT AVGG COS II P P. Struck at Rome during Severus’ second consulship and tenth imperatorial acclamation on a standard denarius flan. RIC IV 120c.

Issued in the aftermath of Severus’ consolidation of power in the civil wars of AD 193–197, this type proclaims imperial victory (VICT AVGG) and situates the issue by titles IMP X and COS II. The obverse legend retains the adoptive surname “Pertinax,” a political statement aligning Severus with the murdered emperor to legitimize his rule. The plural AVGG anticipates or reflects the presence of two Augusti after Caracalla’s elevation in AD 198, while the reverse image of Victory and the legends reference successes over rivals (notably Clodius Albinus at Lugdunum in AD 197) and ongoing eastern campaigns.