Septimius Severus, denarius, silver, reign 193–211, minted 201 CE

Septimius Severus, denarius, silver, reign 193–211, minted 201 CE, weight 3.20 g, diameter 18 mm. Obverse: Laureate bust right; legend SEVERVS PIVS AVG. Reverse: Victory, winged, naked to waist, standing right, left foot set on globe, holding stylus in right hand and inscribing round shield held in left hand and set on palm; legend P M TR P XV COS III P P. Strike is well centered with full legends visible. Toning shows light grey patina typical of silver denarii of the period. References: RIC IV Septimius Severus 211. This denarius was struck in Rome in 201 CE during the reign of Septimius Severus. The obverse portrait depicts the emperor with a laurel wreath, a traditional symbol of authority and legitimacy. The reverse type depicting Victory inscribing a shield represents commemoration of military success, in this case likely tied to Severus's campaigns and consolidation of power after earlier civil conflicts. Denarii of this era served as a principal silver currency denomination in the Roman Empire and circulated widely across its territories, providing both a medium of exchange and imperial propaganda through imagery and inscriptions.